Domaine de Larrivet Domaine de Larrivet

Didn't have much expectations for this little 26 years old Pessac with obscure provenance. Luckily I was wrong. Still fresh and savory. Barnyard and earthy notes evolving to graphite and red fruit. Supple tannins, good weight on the palate and a balanced acidity. Very smooth and refreshing. Good old-fashioned Bordeaux that has a few more years ahead.

Past its peak, though still much better than a $25 claret that is nowhere near maturity yet.

La Commanderie de Bordeaux à Vancouver - 35th Anniversary Spring Gala (Four Seasons Hotel) : Medium red in colour with some bricking at the rim. At first this had quite a pronounced nose that was very smoky and dark fruit dominant. There was also this chemical/dish soap thing going on that was somewhat distracting. Moving on to the palate with flavours of bright red cherries, almost candied, with mostly resolved structure. After some time in the glass the nose became …