Chateau La Fleur de Gay 1988

WEINWISSER: "Jugendliche Farbe, noch immer violette Reflexe. In der Nase herrliches, süsses Edelholzbouquet, Zimt und Cassis, fast parfümiert in der Nase. Feingliedriger Gaumen, Red-Currant-Pastillen, Heidelbeeren, geleeartiges Extrakt, Rauch. Ein traumtänzerischer Wein, der vielleicht jetzt in seiner exorbitanten Fruchtphase am besten schmeckt."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Beautiful blackberry and milk chocolate on the nose, with hints of violets and dried flowers. Full-bodied, with soft tannins and a slightly volatile edge, but it´s rich and decadent, with lots of character. No reason to wait here.--´88/´98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now. 1,500 cases made."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "A terrific example for the vintage, and the first of a remarkable trilogy for La Fleur de Gay, the dark garnet-colored 1988 has notes of melted licorice intermixed with espresso, sweet red and black fruits, mineral, and spice. The wine’s exuberant fragrance is followed by a very delineated, moderately tannic, medium to full-bodied wine with superb concentration, sweet but noticeable tannin, and outstanding depth. A beautiful wine to drink over the next 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2015. Last tasted, 11/02."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "The first in the run of strong vintages is still showing well. In fact, it´s fared better than a lot of wines from 1988. Rich, plummy fruits, round, soft, elegant, sensuous textures and a blast of chocolate covered cherries, mint, truffle, tobacco and thyme to round things out. Fully mature, there is no reason to hold this any longer."