1996 Guy Castagnier, Clos de Vougeot
Hmm – starts a little disappointing – particularly after a stellar last bottle and a similarly brilliant 97 Clos de la Roche during harvest. The nose is sullen and hints at brett. The flavours are not terrible, but not special either. Day two this has way too much brett and is cloudy. Not really drinkable – yet – it was great in the sauce for my sausages!
Rebuy – No

1999 Fourrier, Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles-Vignes
The cork is soaked beyond right through – a problem with many pre-2002 Fourriers – but the wine seems to have survived; it starts a little stinky/reduced but shaking to reduce the amount of gas (yes, it’s still in there!) improves things very quickly. Now fresh aromas, developed, faintly of leaves though not much fruit. In the mouth, narrow but beautifully mouth-watering flavour that shows an ever-growing width and really pretty layers of flavour – very good texture too. Just one more of these waits in the cellar, but currently this wine is drinking beautifully.
Rebuy – Yes