Ch�teau Cissac Ch�teau Cissac

Opened, decanted and poured immediately to accompany roast lamb. This is still full of life after 32 years. Yes, it is very mature and probably past its peak. But it's still a very enjoyable wine which held in the glass for 2 hours. Cork was very soft but it seems to have done its job. Medium garnet colour. The nose has plummy fruit with cinnamon and plenty of traditional earthiness. The palate is soft and silky smooth, more plummy fruit …

Tasted at home with friends, the eighth of a 10 bottle vertical tasting of Chateau Cissac vintages from 2014 to 1975. Opened, decanted and poured almost immediately (I generally don't like opening old bottles in advance in case they fade too quickly). Plenty of sediment in the bottle, but not surprising after 30 years. Light maroon colour, with ageing showing as expected. Marvellous nose when opened, soft berry fruits, also showing on the palate. Soft texture, still some tannin and …

Part of a 31 vintage vertical of Cissac. Good classic Cissac but not great.

Dark garnet colour, shading towards orange at the rim. Aromas of cedar, cigar box, cassis; very classic. Flavours are simple, with fading blackcurrant fruit, licorice and bell pepper. Dry and a little severe on the palate.

Dark garnet color, a bit of brick. On the nose: bell pepper notes dominate, a bit of stewed tomatoes, with some plum jam. In the mouth: not a blockbuster, but very pleasant; a good fruit core (berries and plum), with nice notes of vanilla, coffee grounds, and bell pepper. This bottle shows much better than the first one I tasted from this lot; so I guess it's a good idea to let bottle sit a few months after shipping... This …

From a well preserved bottle, the cork was in good shape and was easily removed. Deep red color, with a slight browning edge. Muted aromas of dry leaves, stewed tomatoes, red peppers are prevalent. In the mouth, it's a very dry wine with notes of licorice and bell pepper, subtle vanilla. Long, but not very intense, and still slightly tannic; it needs food. This wine is pleasant and matches well with red meat. Definitely past it's prime, but still drinks …

Very good but nothing out of the ordinary. Very dry, probably excellent with food. On the decline, drink up soon.

1988 Claret (29 Cloister Road) : Tobacco, strong tannin and not much fruit.