This year, Atlanta was the first stop of the U.S. Tour of the Union des Grand Crus de Bordeauxas 82 Chateaus descended upon the Ritz downtown to peddle their offerings of the 2007 vintage to the trade. Other stops include New York, Chicago, Toronto and Los Angeles. 2007 experienced some serious weather (much rain) challenges throughout much of the growing season causing maturity to occur more slowly and later than usual. The end of the season was good enough to allow grapes to fully ripen, however, due to the extended maturity timeframe, there are some more vegetal characteristics than normally expected in some of these wines. This vintage is said to be much leaner, charming, tannic and more approachable early than recent years, but with this quality of this region, variations of comparisons to other vintage are relative and tiny. I will post more about my interactions and about the differences I perceived between the AOCs within Bordeaux, but for now, here is a slide show of many of the wines tasted.
Of the 82 Chateaus present, 3 are 2nd Growth, 4 are 3rd Growth, 7 are 4th Growth and 8 are 5th Growth classifications. There are 15 St.-Emilion Grand Crus as well as 8 Chateaus representing Barsac and/or Sauternes.
Tell us about your experience with Bordeaux, whether you love it not…
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Ed did you get to taste everything? I was limited to two hours sue to business so I only was able to taste a little more than half. Liked the St. Juliens the best overall. Some good wines, but many were hollow with vegetal characteristics. Seemed like the Medoc appellations fared best.
No, I did not get through them all either as I was “working” the event as a volunteer, so was kind of multi-tasking. I’d have to verify with my notes, but I generally agree with your vegetal comments. Those who brought decanters for their wines were smart and it made a difference (Ch. de Pez brought some). I thought St-Julien and Margaux were most fruit-fwd, many of the Medocs were “rounder” than most, and St-Emilion showed more spice.
You know how I feel about Bordeaux!
As for region, I am a fan of St-Emilion and St Julien
Thanks, Randy, for jumping in. I think I need a few more events like this to really get a feel for the region.