Was It Worth All The Hype? A 2005 Bordeaux Retrospective

It’s funny how things can come full circle. I clearly remember the release of 2005 Bordeaux and all the hype surrounding it. I remember Robert Parker raving about the strength of the vintage and how it would go down in history as one of the greatest that Bordeaux had ever seen.

www.winespectator.com

I also recall the Wine Spectator toning in, with James Suckling confirming what we had all been told, and I clearly remember buying that issue off of a newsstand.

I looked at the wines—I didn’t have the option to taste them—and decided not to pull the trigger. Even with a daughter that was born in 2005 (i.e. a great birth year wine option). In the end, it was fear. Fear that I was buying in to the “Hype Machine” of wine critics, fear that I would never enjoy these wines, and fear that they would not appreciate in value, even though all the pros swore they would.

And so, in the end, I did not buy.

Little did I know that, seven years later, I would have a chance to taste so many of these from a perfectly-stored collection. A collection that was bought en premier and stored perfectly up until the very night that they were uncorked and poured for me. Now I look back and feel a great deal of remorse. It was a lesson learned; but even today, as I taste through them, I’m contemplating—should I buy 2005 Bordeaux?

The fact is that Bordeaux as a “brand” is not what it used to be. The escalating prices of wines upon release have pushed many fans and collectors out of the market. This is not because of the great vintages, but because of the ones that were simply good or very good, that stayed at their elevated price points. However, there is another reason as well, and that is how many supposedly “GREAT” vintages have followed since 2005. It’s hard for the average consumer to buy a wine based on what it may one day become, as most Bordeaux isn’t ready to drink upon release.

However, at this time, I can confidently say that 2005 was a great vintage in Bordeaux. At some Chateau, it was probably the best they have ever produced. Even with the 2009s and 2010s being hyped and pushed upon us day after day, 2005 is where my money will likely be spent.

Why? Because it truly is classic.

For the full article, 27 tasting notes and many more photos, visit: The Cellar Table

Making the Case–for Barbaresco

It’s time to put away the preconceptions and admit to the fact that Barbaresco can be just as great as Barolo.

I’ve been a fan of Barolo for as long as I’ve been into wine. It’s just something about its imposing nature and how Barolo makes you wait for it to blossom. There’s a challenge in loving Barolo, as you have to study and pay close attention to truly enjoy it. You don’t just open a bottle on a whim; instead you spend time deciding which bottle would be best at the moment and for the occasion. When you make the right choice and give Barolo the proper amount of air (in bottle, not decanter), you’re rewarded with an otherworldly experience. Barolo is in many ways about chasing those experiences. You won’t always find euphoria, and oftentimes you’ll be let down, but when you open a great bottle, it’s worth all the effort.

1998 Bruno Giacosa Asili

However, what I failed to understand is that the same experience can be found with Barbaresco, usually for less money and without having to wait as long as we do for our precious Barolo to mature. So you question if it can age as well as Barolo, and my response is a definitive YES! What it took to open my eyes was my involvement with a tasting group of friends who are all Barolo enthusiasts. Often, the evening would call for a blind tasting, and in each of these a Barbaresco would manage to find its way in. Would it surprise you to know that in almost every instance, the Barbaresco came out on top?

To continue reading and for tasting notes and photos, 

visit my new Blog: The Cellar Table

Burgundy: Further Down The Rabbit Hole

As a warning, the following prose and tasting notes detail an experience which could be described as a wine lover’s dream come true. The path to understanding Burgundy may result in a life-long obsession, which could take priority over everything else you hold dear. Readers Beware!

Wine in its essence is a very personal thing, sometimes even sensual. A good wine will provide enjoyment, relax the soul, and help bring down barriers between fellow tasters. However, a great wine—a great wine leaves a mark on you. Like your first love, a great wine imprints itself into your memory and stays with you for the rest of your life. Finding a great wine takes work, as many of the best things in life often do. Yet all of this work is instantly rewarded when the moment of greatness is realized.... Keep reading at the new home of my blog: The Cellar Table

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I’m very pleased to announce my official move to The Morrell Wine group. I’ve been tasked with writing content, blogs, tasting notes and print materials for their website and catalogs. It’s an exciting move which presents amazing tasting opportunities and the ability to work with some of the most talented and intelligent people in the industry.

Looking to the Future with Morrell Wine

I’m very pleased to announce my official move to The Morrell Wine group. I’ve been tasked with writing content, blogs, tasting notes and print materials for their website and catalogs. It’s an exciting move which presents amazing tasting opportunities and the ability to work with some of the most talented and intelligent people in the industry.

What does this mean for The V.I.P. Table?

My focus going forward will be with Morrell. That said, my work continues on The Morrell Wine Blog, and you can already find new content there. The newest post -- Gaja: History in a Bottle has my name written all over it. I invite you to check it out, as it will be updated regularly with content from tastings, dinners, and events with Morrell. I am determined to continue providing you with the same detailed reviews and coverage that my readers have grown to expect.


Burgundy can be intimidating, or so they say

I spend a lot of time cruising the aisles of wine shops. In fact, I’d say it’s something of a hobby of mine. These trips often result in great conversations regarding wine, spirits and even life. However, one of the most common topics is about Burgundy and how most wine lovers are simply too intimidated to even start. What’s ironic is how often I also hear long-time collectors state that it all ends in Burgundy, meaning if only they knew then what they know now, they would have bought a lot more in their youth... Keep reading at: The Cellar Table at Morrell Wine

I'll see you at Morrell
Eric Guido