For The Love Of Port

A week ago today, I returned from a rare weekend event in which a 25 vintage vertical of Chat. Margaux was poured over the two days including their wines from 1966 to 2008. All but one bottle came from the same impeccable cellar of a friend in Atlanta. You may prefer other first growths of Claret to Margaux, but their historic place in the wine world is unmistakable and the wines, classy and classic.

Now this sad news, the world has lost another wine kingpin: http://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/ ... pontallier

They went through a not so great era in the 70's. I've had OK 1975 and 76. They really turned it around in the 80's with Pontallier. He made some terrific wines.

Agreed Eric. I assume you've seen that Paul passed away recently: http://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/ ... pontallier


The 1978 was actually showing quite well and considerably better than the 1979. From the 1980s, I was surprised to choose the 1982 (blind) over the 1983 which I have always preferred, but not this time. But I will admit that my runner up to the 1982 was a tie between the 1985 and the 1989. Both were showing incredibly and I've typically not been in love with 1989, but it was stellar, regardless of RP rating.

Yes, I saw that he had passed.

How was the 86? I've still a few of those.

Vitamin pill, band-aid, cigar box, slightly reductive note. This was tight and so crazy tannic at the moment. Most of the funk blew off the nose 20-30 mins. after pouring. Gorgeous fruit but currently cloaked in grippy/astringent tannins. 93

I guess I'll bring something else to Seattle!

Paul Pontallier-so famous-sad

My apologies for the late contribution due to an extremely heavy load of work since the middle of February (tax season is very much still in progress in Canada), but the news of his passing is a very sad event for lovers of fine Bordeaux. Chateau Margaux is very beautiful wine, an experience that is never forgotten. It is good that his passing was acknowledged here, thank you.

Plus Chateau Margaux is the only non Pauillac first growth (just saying)