Professor Bainbridge...on law, politics, religion, culture & food

Chateau Meyney (St. Estephe) 1986

Definite ullage, although still in the neck. No signs of significant seepage, although the cork was deeply stained. Lots of sediment. Remarkably deep ruby colour for a 17-year old wine. Slight line of brick at the rim. An intense bouquet of licorice, prunes, rosemary, and classic cabernet cedar/blackcurrants. The palate shows a strong vegetal component - green peppers and cabbages, but there is also a dense core of dark fruits, earth, and mushrooms. After an hour or so in the decanter, the vegetal component had blown off, leaving behind the cedary dark fruits. Still has a strong backbone of firm tannins, giving the wine a solid structure for continued aging. Grade: B+