Château Caronne St Gemme Haut Médoc 1982 MAGNUM 1500ml

Tasting note: Château Caronne St Gemme Haut-Médoc 1982 MAGNUM (1500ml)

Appearance:
Deep garnet red colour with amber reflections on the rim, a sign of mature elegance. The colour still shows a concentrated centre, typical of a well-aged Bordeaux of this era.

Nose:
A complex, tertiary bouquet dominates: dried plums, cedar and tobacco leaf combine with notes of leather, damp earth and a hint of truffle. Underneath, a subtle fruit of ripe blackcurrant resonates, accompanied by a spicy nuance of clove and laurel.

Palate:
A harmonious balance between maturity and freshness unfolds on the palate. Aromas of preserved blackberries, liquorice and dark chocolate meet a fine mineral character. The tannins are silky and fully integrated, while a lively acidity gives the wine structure. The magnum bottle has gently delayed the development so that the texture remains velvety and the fruit subtly present.

Finish:
Long-lasting and thought-provoking, with echoes of roasted coffee, tobacco and a hint of balsamic spice. The acidity carries the flavours elegantly into the length without dominating.

Structure:
Medium to full-bodied with a velvety, mature texture. The alcohol integration (probably around 12.5-13%) is perfect, allowing the complex flavours to take centre stage.

Vintage context:
The legendary 1982 vintage in Bordeaux is considered one of the greatest of the 20th century, characterised by optimal weather conditions. Even though Château Caronne St. Gemme is less renowned as a Cru Bourgeois than the top wines of the Médoc, this wine shows the potential of the terroir and vintage quality - ripe, but never overripe.

Overall impression:
An impressive, mature classic that combines the power of the 1982 vintage with the accessibility of a Haut-Médoc. The magnum format has refined the development so that the wine shines today in its best drinking phase: complex but not overdeveloped. Ideal with game dishes, herb-crusted lamb or mature Comté cheese.

Rarity:
Magnum bottles of this vintage are rarities, especially in good provenance. Proof that even wines from "more modest" châteaux can mature into a delicacy in the right vintage and format. A piece of Bordeaux history for connoisseurs and collectors.

Note: The quality depends heavily on storage conditions. With an intact cork and dark, cool storage, this wine can continue to fascinate for years.