This was our inaugural tasting of a newly launched series of 6-8 blind tastings per year (Link) where we announce the date and theme a few months in advance and invite wine lovers to bring a bottle to the theme. If someone hasn’t got a bottle, we can provide one from our cellars. The goal is to discover, learn, discuss and spend a great time. We keep it deliberate, but informal. Our current event location is Smith & de Luma (Link), which provides a great athmosphere with its classical Tudor style deco.
2014 (Link) is a typical second-tier vintage in Bordeaux. Second-tier, without any inflated marketing language, but also with no false modesty means: good, but not great. Vintages like 2001, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2012 are comparable. 2014 is clearly behind the great ones like 2005, 2009, 2010, 2016, 2019, but ahead of the third-tier vintages like 2002, 2003, 2007 and of course the tail lights 2011, 2013. July/August in 2014 was too cold and wet for a great vintage but the Indian summer saved the day (see chart below). 2014s are more slender wines with medium tannins, refreshing acidity and good aromatics. Actually, a very attractive value proposition for something to drink earlier while you wait for the big years to come around.
The tasting
The wines were served blind after the bottles were either opened at least three hours before the event or even double decanted very carefully either in the afternoon or two hours before the tasting started. The event took place on the 22nd of February 2024.
Château Montrose 2014, Saint-Estèphe
Discrete nose, needed swirling to express itself. Aromas of pine, pencil shavings, earthy elements, easy to identify as Northern Medoc. On the palate quite light, fine tannins. Surprisingly drinkable. Not a grand but a pleasant Montrose. 17.75/20 (92/100), Group Rank 6/15.Château Rauzan-Ségla 2014, Margaux
The nose is dominated by cassis with still some oak to work through. Modern wine making, polished tannins, good mid mouth presence and finish. Still early in its drinking window. I liked this quite a bit more than the group. 17.75/20 (92/100), Group Rank 14/15.
