1974 CHÂTEAU LA MISSION HAUT BRION 1974

Much more charm and fruit in evidence, despite having a similar powdery, smoky dryness on the nose as the '77. The palate has some fruit, with some juicy life about it, and though dry and overtaken by cedary spice in the finish, has some length and charm.

(08-2012 A fascinating aspect of vertical tastings is that there are always surprises – both good and bad. Because the vintage was plagued by rot, the inability of many grapes to reach full maturity, and frightful acid as well as rustic tannin levels, there were not many successful wines in 1974, but I always thought La Mission-Haut-Brion was one of them. It has aged remarkably well, and while it will not make anyone go bonkers over its quality, it is a very good wine. The color is a dark garnet with some amber at the edge. Interesting aromatics offer up an array of scents, including cedar, seaweed, pepper, roasted meats, smoked herbs, charcoal and some murky plum and currant fruit. In the mouth, some acidity remains, but the tannins have largely melted away, and the wine still possesses enough flesh and fruit to soften its skeleton. Its complex aromatics, medium-bodied flavors and surprising vigor demonstrate what a great terroir and impeccable winemaking can achieve in a disastrous vintage.

Dry and tough and rather Italianate in its aggressive tannins! Not much fun at all.... Food please. A bit volatile!