The 37 year-old red Burgundy had 12.8% ABV, cost under $22 then, and scored a fine 17 points on the 20-point Dionysian scale. The 1983 Joesph Drouhin Chassagne-Montrachet, an exception to the mostly Chardonnay-based wines of the commune, proved that Pinot Noir can also do well there.
It was still ruby with smoky cherry notes and hints of spices. The vintage was a big ripe one, producing loads of tannin and the bottle was filled with sediment, even leaving a crust on its side after decanting. Then, the silky Pinot Noir opened up.
This is why you cellar special wines. It made our simple evening meal a special event. This wine peaks at 20 years and then holds a while. In Vino Veritas.
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