1959 and 1961 Mouton Rothschild.......and 1955 Yquem

19 Apr 2014: An evening with good friends is always a special evening, and this evening made even more special with 1959 and 1961 Mouton Rothschild, followed by 1955 Château d'Yquem!

We started with a 2002 Pol Roger Blanc de Blancs. A very elegant Blanc de Blancs, with persistent fine bubbles, creamy mousse and a very attractive nose of honey, almond, nougat, pear and ginger. Finishes long and crisp. 17.5/20

The 1990 Leflaive Chevalier-Montrachet probably saw better days. The well-matured bouquet was ginger, marzipan, honeycomb and hazelnut.....I did not like the tangy finish that lingered even when paired with a slab of foie gras with rhubarb and ginger preserve. 14/20

I was a little behind in the drinking...so my 2 reds had been sitting in the glass for almost an hour before I tried them. The 1961 Mouton delivered more power, concentration and richness within a velvety and firm structure, with a fresher bouquet of dried prunes, cassis, black cherry liqueur, blackberry preserve, mocha and cedar, with leather and tobacco notes coming through much later. I had initially detected a whiff of volatility at the finish. The finish went on for a very long time. An opulent and powerful expression, at the same time elegant, that was at its apogee but will drink very well over the next 15 years and beyond! 19/20

The 1959 Mouton was very expressive on the nose but on the palate it seemed showed a lighter frame than the 1961. There seemed less intensity and concentration overall. The more mature bouquet reminded us of leather, cigar smoke, earth, plum, violet and graphite notes. There was plenty of harmony and balance but it did not quite promise the ageability of the 1961....drink now or over next 8 - 10 years. 18/20

We finished with the tawny-coloured 1955 Yquem. This was heavenly nectar in one word. Fresh acidity gave presence to the intensity and complexity of flavours that thoroughly coated the palate in a most stylish manner: walnut candy, orange marmalade, coffee, toffee, molasses and crème brûlée. There was still plenty of energy and vibrancy that the sweetness was hardly 'noticeable'  - in a word it slipped down rather swiftly and before we knew it, the bottle was already drunk up!!!  Finish was lingering, smooth and very refined, with no sign of dryness. First rate! 19/20

Just wish we had more bottles of this!