1989 Chateau Chalon

The 1989 Château Chalon was truly off the charts. The intensity and complexity of aromas was not comparable to any of the other old vintages I tasted. This was the first year Laurent started working in the vineyards (his first vinification was 2004) after he finished winemaking school in 1988. He started with two good vintages, 1989 and 1990, which both produced great wines, though perhaps 1989 is a finer year than 1990. This is all about finesse and nuance in a naturally powerful year. The palate is compact and balanced with pure flavors and unnoticeable alcohol, with notes of bitter orange peel, ginger, saffron, broth and curry that made it different and really attractive. This is an incredible Château Chalon.