WTN: 2001 Reignac (Bordeaux Supérieur)

[David M. Bueker]

I was surprised to see that I had not opened a bottle of this in almost three years. Our friends Paula & Stuart (no, not that Stuart) were coming over & I was given a challenge of pouring a Merlot that Stuart (really, not that Stuart) would like. After more than 4 years of cellaring this is still very primary, with plummy, dark fruit, a healthy wallop of oak & rich, almost sappy flavors. After getting over the shock of how big it still is there's some mellowing going on in the background, but it's still a bruiser. It's got plenty of structure though, as well as some acidity hiding in a corner. It's no restaurant Merlot, that's for sure. It can probably stand another 3-5 years in the cellar to mellow out even further.

And Stuart (NO, NO, NOT THAT Stuart)...he liked it. He was shocked when I told him that the wine was mostly Merlot (we won't disclose the 25% Cabernet Sauvignon).

After more than 4 years of cellaring this is still very primary...

Dude, I know the Bordeaux is meant to be more drinkable in it's youth, but it still is Bordeaux.

Have you tried the 05?

[David M. Bueker]

Haven't tried any Reignac other than the 2001.

Some of hte other "small" '01s are really peaking/slipping past that peak now. Cap de Faugeres is as good as it is ever going to get with only downside ahead. The same goes for '01 La Prade. I won't be opening my lone remaining Reignac for a while (and won't go anywhere near the '01 Clos Les Lunelles for a loooooong time).

I had the 00 and 05 Reignacs earlier this year. The 00 was also incredibly primary and just starting to soften a bit, but was quite enjoyable with some meat (although I have no doubt it'll be much more interesting in several more years) - the 05 on the other hand was a massive tannic monster. It took about 2-3 days before I could actually drink it without wincing - but it's definitely a very impressive wine with a ton of fruit, richness and a bit of coffee/oak underneath. Not surprised the 01 is similarly very young and primary. The ones I tasted gave me the impression this is a wine to forget about in a cellar for a number of years.