1961 l'Arrosee
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Tasting notes
The 1961 L'Arrosée is one of the hidden gems on the Right Bank from this legendary year. A good friend offered my the rest of his glass. It has a sensual nose with touches of menthol that tincture the red fruit alongside tobacco and graphite hints emerging with time. There is real presence and vitality after so many years, suggesting this was a very concentrated Saint-Émilion in its youth. The palate is quite sweet and very harmonious, with almost confit-like red fruit, pliant, saturated tannins and an opulent cassis-tinged finish. This lives up to the hype. Tasted at La Trompette at the WIMPS Bordeaux lunch.
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
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I hope more recent vintages, such as 1982, 1985, and 1986, will ultimately rival this great wine. It challenges the finest St.-Emilions in this legendary vintage. Medium ruby/garnet, with a huge, spicy, jammy, fruitcake sort of bouquet crammed with intensity, the lush, expansive, generously endowed flavors are smooth as silk. The wine has an opulent texture and a long, smoky, alcoholic finish. It has been fully mature for 5-6 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-may be in decline. Last tasted, 12/90.
I hope more recent vintages, such as 1982, 1985, and 1986, will ultimately rival this great wine. It challenges the finest St.-Emilions in this legendary vintage. Medium ruby/garnet, with a huge, spicy, jammy, fruitcake sort of bouquet crammed with intensity, the lush, expansive, generously endowed flavors are smooth as silk. The wine has an opulent texture and a long, smoky, alcoholic finish. It has been fully mature for 5-6 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-may be in decline. Last tasted, 12/90. Jan 1998, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Ch. l’Arrosée was a 9.5-hectare vineyard in Saint-Emilion. After the château was sold to Domaine Clarence Dillon (owners of Ch. Haut-Brion and Ch. la Mission Haut-Brion) in 2013, the wine was discontinued and the grapes are now used for Ch. Quintus.