A Bordeaux blowout - Lagrange 2001 and Chasse Spleen 1985

I liked them so much more when they were full!

Considering the title of this blog, you might have expected a bit more action centred around the Medoc. Just as well then, that a happy dinner with family last Saturday night provided the occasion to unleash some serious clarets.

We kicked off with Chateau Lagrange 2001, a charming St. Julien from a forgotten vintage. What struck me with this bottle was the generous fruit, not something you can take for granted in a ten year old claret. The Lagrange is packed full with perfumed blackcurrant and plum,  topped off with the exotic smoked flavours that we love to refer to as "cigar box". The oak aging on this wine has been perfectly judged - it's not obtrusive at all, but just adds the necessary backbone and interest.  St. Julien is known for elegance rather than heft, something which came through nicely here.

Then to something a little older . . . A single precious bottle of Chasse Spleen 1985, snapped up recently at www.bidforwine.com (Highly…