TN: Youth and Age

Ian Fitzsimmons

Ian Fitzsimmons
1996 Baumard Savennieres Clos du Papillon

A very remarkable bottle, dark yellow-orange, yeasty, almost madeirized on the nose. The fruit has a kind of faded flower quality to it, and a slight yeastiness, so the initial reaction is that the wine is over the hill. But then the acidity hits, super-fine, vibrant, incredibly intense; it enlivens the other flavors, gives them lift, and makes for en extremely interesting glass of wine. Good with food, good on its own, but not a comfort wine. Sadly my last bottle.

2009 Clos Roche Blanche Cabernet

Cheery grapey red, robust fruit, robust tannins, cabernet but not too refined. A fine autumn glassful with chicken and salsa on flatbread. Will this flesh out with time?
 
Wine comes in at the mouth
And love comes in at the eye;
That's all we shall know for truth
Before we grow old and die.
I lift the glass to my mouth,
I look at you, and I sigh.
 
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