#history
Louis M. Martini
Special Selection California Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1970
I was in 5th grade, enjoying everything about life, and my youngest brother was born. I know there was some sh*t going on in the world at the time, but as far I knew then, life was 💯. In the 80s I drank some amazing ‘70 Left Bank wines. Not as many Napa Cabs.
@Tom Casagrande pretty much the same for me with the exception of another sibling born. I was the last. Cheers! 🍷
I was drinking from a different bottle since I was born in 69
Cognac Tesseron
Extreme Rare Cognac
Just extreme !!! #cognac #spirit #extreme #tesseron #xo #luxe #rare #closdessens #jajadujour #charente #madeinfrance #drinks #brandy #tasting #paradis #agedcognac #cognaclover #spiritueux #history #luxury #decanter #damejeanne #spirit #eaudevie #instaspirit — 10 years ago
Mayacamas Vineyards
Napa Valley Chardonnay 1959
1959, from half bottle. Made here by Philip Togni 56 years ago, served to him at dinner here last night. Still drinkable, was great with cheese. Slight nuttiness on the nose, reasonably fresh on the palette, relatively speaking. This bottle (which he signed) is going on the winery trophy shelf for sure. What an experience having him up.. Rating for gravity of experience only!! #napa #history #legacy — 10 years ago
Bravo 👏👏
Somm David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
What were you doing in 1970? It’s what I always think of when I have a very elderly wine. It also is the question I ask friends I share older wine.
Some 1970 highlights. The number one song was Simon & Garfunkel’s, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The President of the United States was Richard M Nixon and one of the kindest friends I have known was born. Last but not least, the Napa Valley was just beginning to rise. Louis Martini was one of those pioneers!
This bottle has survived & flourished over those 55 years and is a fine piece of history.
Many would say this is past its prime and they wouldn’t necessarily be wrong. But I am one who appreciates wine on its still solid downslope. While on its decent, this bottling still shows nice fruit, complexity and elegance that just can’t be mistaken for good young wine w/ a long decant.
The nose shows a fig & date quality. Older, brambly; blackberries, black raspberry reduction, sweet & sour cherries, that slide into liquor, baked rhubarb, slightly overripe strawberries. Soft sandalwood w/ dry cedar tones, undertones of rusted metal, dry soil & crushed limestone, vanillin, very dry twig, old, slightly used tobacco, reminisce of dark spices, tomato leaf, sun tea, dry & withering dark & red flowers, understated violets w/ a sprinkle of potpourri.
The palate is still fresh & ripe; older, brambly, blackberries, black raspberry reduction, sweet & sour cherries that slide into liquor, baked rhubarb, slightly overripe strawberries, figs & dates. Soft sandalwood w/ dry cedar tones, undertones of rusted metal, dusty top soil & limestone gravel, dry river stone, crumbled, grey volcanics, cherry cola, vanillin, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, clove, very dry twig, old, slightly used tobacco, dark spices still w/ soft but impactful palate backbone, tomato leaf, sweetened sun tea w/ a spritz of lemon, dry & withering dark & red flowers, understated violets w/ a sprinkle of potpourri, excellent rainfall acidity with an elegant, round, balanced, well knitted, still tensioned, polished finish that falls on sandalwood, earth and spice that lasts 90 seconds.
12% ABV which I have said many times is my strong preference like w/ all amazing Clarets. I wish it had never changed. 92 on the wine, but a perfect 10 on the history scale. — a month ago