2000-2001 Comparative Bordeaux Tasting

On 22nd November we hosted a 2000-2001 Bordeaux Comparative Tasting and Dinner at The Berkeley.
 
For us, it was fascinating to see just how the 2001s stepped up in the glass; it is worth reiterating that this overshadowed vintage should be substantially outclassed by the 2000s, or so critic’s notes and scores tell us. The aim of the tasting wasn’t to claim that the vintages were equal, but to highlight that the gulf in quality between certain pairings is not as vast as you might be led to believe; the 2001s were not out of place in the overall line up. Stylistically, the 2000s are riper, show more concentration and more evident structure – they will age over a longer period too, but they are already open for business. The 2001s showed charm, elegance, soft, supple textures and bright acidities – they don’t lack concentration, but they are lighter in body. It is too easy to just draw attention to alleged five-star vintages and miss where value can be found and where clients can find appealing wines that don’t need a lengthy snooze in a cool cellar. Incidentally, according to Parker, the Ducru Beaucaillou 2001 should have been drunk up by 2016 and the Lynch-Bages should be polished off next year….the evening showed that this vintage is still underrated, and great value and pleasure can be found. We were pleased to hear the comments relating to the Leoville-Barton pairing, and particularly the glowing review of the 2001. It all goes to show the value of a comparison without the vintage declared.

The full list of wines was as follows: 

2001 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, 2ème Cru Classé, St. Julien    
2000 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, 2ème Cru Classé, St. Julien 
2000 Château Lynch-Bages, 5ème Cru Classé, Pauillac              
2001 Château Lynch-Bages, 5ème Cru Classé, Pauillac  
2001 Château Léoville-Barton, 2ème Cru Classé, St. Julien 
2000 Château Léoville-Barton, 2ème Cru Classé, St. Julien     
2001 Château Palmer, 3ème Cru Classé, Margaux
2000 Château Palmer, 3ème Cru Classé, Margaux  
2001 Château Coutet, 1er Cru Classé,  Barsac    
2000 Château Coutet, 1er Cru Classé, Barsac