Château Croizet-Bages Paullic 1989

Tasting note: Château Croizet-Bages 1989 (Pauillac, Bordeaux)

The 1989 Croizet-Bages comes from one of the most legendary Bordeaux vintages of the 20th century. As a fifth cru classéfrom Pauillac, it benefits from the opulent fruit and structured tannin texture for which this vintage is famous. Although Croizet-Bages is not one of the best-known Pauillac châteaux, this wine shows the typical power and complexity of the terroir - albeit with a slightly more rustic flavour than the top estates in the appellation.

Sensory analysis

Colour:

• Deep garnet red with the beginnings of a brick rim - still a powerful colour, but already showing signs of maturity.

Nose:

• Opulent fruit: blackcurrant (cassis), ripe plum, preserved cherries.

• Classic Pauillac flavour: Cedar wood, smoky tobacco, graphite minerality.

• Tertiary development: leather, truffle, damp forest soil, a hint of chocolate.

• Woody notes: Vanilla, roasted coffee and cocoa beans (typical of ageing in newer barriques).

Palate:

• Medium to full-bodied with still present but silky tannins.

• Dense fruit (blackberry, black cherry) mingles with spicy notes (pepper, clove, bay leaf).

• Well-integrated acidity gives the wine freshness despite its maturity.

• Long finish with hints of dark chocolate, coffee and a smoky minerality.

Overall impression:
A powerful, ripe Pauillac - less polished than a Lynch-Bages or Pichon Baron, but with plenty of charm and typical cassis character.

Rating & ageing potential

• Parker (RP): 90/100 ("A surprisingly good Croizet-Bages with typical 1989 opulence")

• Drinking window: Now - 2035+ (at its peak, but still has reserves).

• Decant: 1 hour to allow the flavours to develop.

Serving recommendation:

• Entrecôte with Béarnaise sauce and French fries

• Wild boar medallions with cranberries

• Matured sheep's cheese (e.g. Ossau-Iraty)

Conclusion:

An undervalued gem from 1989- not as complex as the Premier Crus, but with plenty of Pauillac character and drinking pleasure. If you own a bottle, you can open it now with profit or store it for years to come.

Tip: If you try it, compare it with a 1989 d'Armailhac - an interesting duel between two fifth crus!