The nose starts like many old Girouds with that Italian ‘botti’ aroma, however, not much swirling is required to consign that to history as a frankly beautiful floral aroma fills the glass – spectacular. The taste is quite okay but cannot come close to the beauty of the nose; fat, mouth-filling, still some fine-grained tannin. No fireworks here – merely fine.
1976
1976 Romanée-Conti La Tâche
Unfortunately our planned bottle of 1971 was corked, so this was the back-up bottle. Consistent colour with 86 and 78. Slightly mineral nose, some sweetness, smokey bacon covered with caramel coupled with fresh higher tones. The acidity is not quite so refined as the others – parallel here with the hot vintage and 1997 – and the tannins still have a grainy texture, but the fruit has real intensity. A very interesting bottle that (again) like the 1997 took on more balance with aeration and time. A very worthy backup.
1976 Giroud Camille Clos de Vougeot
Fabulously young colour. The nose unfortunately starts like fabric clear – I think it might be the glass rather than the wine as the next pour is altogether better, faintly spicy oak and sweet fruit that takes on exra dimensions with time. The acidity has (perhaps) a little too much bite but it’s quite refreshing. Long lived in the glass as well as the bottle – really needs food, but compliments it very well.
1976 Drouhin Joseph Griotte-Chambertin
This wine actually pre-dates by 5 years Drouhin’s purchase of their holding in Griotte-Chambertin. Medium ruby, but a deep core of colour – less brown and indeed younger looking than the 1985. Deep nose that was also more pronounced and interesting an hour earlier. The texture is not quite so splendid as the ’85. There is more acidity and tannin, but also a longer and more interesting finish. This is delicious, very, very tasty. No need to rush your drinking either!