I’ve finally managed to pull myself away for from the office to enjoy some much needed vacation time.  I went to pick up my Christmas present at the Waterford Wine Company- 6 bottles of 2006 Groth Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve! Sue must really love me.  After I picked up the wine, Ben asked if I wished to sample a few wines he had open for his customers. Much to my surprise, one of the offerings was a bottle of 1976 Maison Leroy Vosne-Romanée, a Premier (1er) Cru Burgundy, from the Côte de Nuits!

This is the oldest, most prestigious (definitely the most expensive) wine I have tasted to date. With that in mind, I had no idea what to expect. Would tasting this wine be a life changing event or just another pricey pinot noir? Recognizing my limited experience in this arena, I have to say this is a really good wine.  It was not life changing, but still very good nonetheless.

Tasting Notes:

The ’76 Leroy has so many different layers of aromas and flavors it is hard to believe that there is only one grape variety in the bottle.  I was pleasantly surprised how vibrant the aromas and flavors were after almost 34 years.  In the glass, it has a gorgeous soft reddish-purple hue with a just a hint of garnet showing through on the edges.  Distinct aromas of tart cherries, smoke, and damp earth mingle together with sumptuous cherry flavors and a tart cranberry-like acidity. The finish seems to go on forever with wonderfully soft tannins that build towards the end.  I’ve tasted quite a few pinot noirs and many were very good, but this one has set a new standard!

What a great way to kick off the holidays.  Thanks Ben!