Aged BORDEAUX, Cellaring, Opening, Tasting

Today's video is not only about uncorking and tasting an old bottle of Bordeaux, but I'll also take you through steps that'll help you get the most out of your aged wine. I'll also give you my suggestions on a couple of great choices to cellar away that won't set you back big dollars.

For starters, every wine has its own lifecycle; some can be as short as just a year or two, others can extend out for decades. The focus here is on Bordeaux. An iconic go-to option for being plentiful, available at a wide range of price points, and, if chosen well, with a track record of longevity. It often comes down to choosing the right producer from strong vintages.

Storage
Good storage is vital, but it needn't be overly complicated. I have a refrigerated wine storage unit, but it could be a basement, crawl space, or any protected area with a cool, consistent temp, moderate humidity, minimal UV light, and away from vibration and strong odors. Video in link.

Chateau Marquis de Terme is a 4th Growth Margaux in the legendary 1855 Bordeaux Classification. This had long been one of the more low-key, under-the-radar chateaux. Up until nearly 20 years ago, there were periods of spotty quality, some great wines and others that didn't live up to its pedigree. That all changed with the 2009. Since then, it's been a consistently reliable source for classically styled Margaux minus the steep price.

The grapes are sourced from nearly forty ultra-prime plots, mostly deep gravel soils. The wine is usually a blend of around 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot for added color and structure. Cabernet Franc had long been part of the blend, but it has since been replaced by a higher degree of CS since the 1990s.

Today's wine is a 1996 Château Marquis de Terme Margaux. I originally had six bottles; this is my last one. Years ago, I paid $30 per bottle; the current price, if you can find it around $100.

With old wine, it's best to allow the bottle to stand upright for a day or two prior to pulling the cork. This will allow any sediment to work its way into the base of the bottle, decreasing the chance it ends up in your wine glass. Check for sediment with a bright light. Remove the capsule; wipe the top of the bottle.

For cellaring, look for the 2022 or 2023 Château Marquis de Terme Margaux; both sell for around $ 60 USD. Both have an aging potential of around twenty years with good cellar conditions.