Friday, September 2, a massive storm slammed into the Northern Medoc just before noon. Torrential rains were accompanied by fericious hail. Reports are circulating that over half an inch of rain fell in a 20 minute period in the area’s Bordeaux wine vineyards!
2011 Bordeaux, for many chateaux will be the earliest harvest on record since 1893! However, growers situated in some parts of Bordeaux have moved up their time tables are harvesting even earlier than they previously expected.
Even though Pomerol is always the first of the major Bordeaux wine appellations to harvest, with an August 31 start date, this is much earlier than usual.
“I have never experienced a vintage or harvest like this one. Must-weights are equal to the best years. Acidity resembles the worst years.” Carl Loewen
Starting with the 2000 vintage, La Vieille Cure has been a contender for the Bordeaux wine value in the region. 2005 remains the best vintage yet for this estate.
The key to creating the perfect wine and food pairing is, keep it simple. Buy the best ingredients possible. Don’t over cook your meal. With wine, look for similar texture and weight.
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying Vintage Port when their vibrant personalities are still forming and primary. After all, it helps to understand what these youngsters are like in order to ascertain a specific shipper’s house style and ability to improve with age.