I have the 1997 V GDL and so far no issues. I can only hope it holds up.
Got cheap at Costco :-)


"DaleW" wrote in message
...
On May 4, 10:25?am, DaleW wrote:
Last night we went to some nearby friends' home for dinner. One of
those evenings where I am the only non-musician (though this was
mostly jazz folks), but conversation didn't elude me too much. A
really incredible avocado/orange/beet salad, then porterhouses, sweet
potatoes, snow peas, and mushrooms. Several reds were opened:

2005 Rosemount "Diamond Label" Shiraz
I approached this with trepidation. I thought this was a good entry
level Shiraz 10+ years ago, but hadn't liked the last few vintages.
This was actually drinkable. Lighter style of Syrah, not-too-sweet
blackberry fruit, a little hint of smoke. Nothing to seek out, but
nothing to run away from. B-

Then Ron says "try this Zinfandel." Hmmm, one oaky Zin. Lots of
vanilla, with ripe black plum fruit. Not getting much sense of
Zinfandel here. Wait, it's the 2005 JoelGottCabernet Sauvignon. Ron
thought he grabbed theGottZin, opened wrong bottle. This is a wine
that I'm sure many would find a good value, but stylistically it
crosses the line into jammy/overdone for my tastes. B-/C+

I had brought along the 1998BVGeorges de LaTour Cabernet Sauvignon
Private Reserve. I've probably had about a dozen bottles ofBVpremium
reds from the "problem period", about a 1/3 seemed off. Let's add one
more to the list (I emailedBVlast night, as Diaego said at time they
stood behind bottles- we'll see).

I had brought a backup bottle, and it showed beautifully for its
level. The 2000 Ch. Mazeyres (Pomerol) isn't a huge wine, but it has
pretty ripe red plum fruit, a lovely lushPomeroltexture, mostly
resolved tannins. This was about $18 a year or two after release, and
a fine effort for that pricepoint. Sturdy, with air there is some
cedar, earth, and a hint of spice (star anise?). You're not going to
mistake this for Trotanoy or L"Evangile, but a nice smallerPomerol. B
+

Fun night, fun people.

Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent
wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't
drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no
promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.

Credit where credit is due: talked to David Chu from Diageo, he
assured me they stand by every bottle, and sent me a '04 BV GdL as a
replacement- and a bottle of Tapestry (I did promise to let them know
how the '60 has held up when I try in 2 years). Excellent response!