457. Paul Garaudet, Monthelie 1er Cru Les Duresses, 1998

£10; 13%

The lads at Planet of the Grapes picked this up for a song from another merchant who had categorised it as “cooking wine”. In reality it is past its best, but nevertheless an interesting example of an aged Burgundy. Drunk at our tasting group Pinot Noir revision session. Garnet hue, fading to tawny. Earthy, underbrush touches, gentle smoke and cocoa, vanilla, spice box, dried herb and some wild strawberry & blackcurrant. Slightly coarse, grainy tannins with dried strawberry fruit fading away a touch. Smoke & toasty oak flavours, but with a slightly ‘green’, bitter finish.