Featured vintages for the tasting and a brief overview of the year:
1955
Harvested: September 21, 1955
The 1955 vintage was a tremendous one to say the least. A beautiful summer
gave way to some incredible ripening, however there was a small amount of rain
during harvesting. This vintage is composed of 85% merlot and 15% cab
franc. It is a big, strong and powerful wine that has aged gracefully.
While not quite the same finesse and quality as the 1953 and 1959 vintages this
vintage is still a timeless classic.
1964
Harvested: September 22, 1964
In 1964 the stars aligned and magic happened in Bordeaux.
Robert Parker gave this vintage 5 stars and for good reason. The vintage
of the century, according to many wine critics, started with a super hot summer.
The result is rich, intense and powerful wine that leaves a lasting impression.
Domaine de Viaud used 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc.
1966
Harvested: September, 26, 1966
The '66 vintage is considered by many to be as good and possibly
better than the famed 1964 crop. An early flowering summer was a blessing
considering the cold and dry September that was to follow. The resulting
wines possess soft tannins and rich, intense fruit. A blend of 90% merlot
and 10% cabernet franc.
1970
Harvested: September, 27, 1970
Another incredible crop of grapes! Parker has given 4 stars
to this vintage that was the first to marry together quantity and quality.
Considered by some wine lovers to be the best vintage between 1961 and 1981, we
feel the wine speaks for itself. Almost perfect weather gave way to wines
of remarkable character and complexity. This wine is 80% merlot and 20%
cabernet franc.
1975
Harvested: September, 27,
1970
After 3 consecutive vintages growers would like to forget, success
finally comes back to Bordeaux. The was only a small amount of grapes
harvested during this vintage, but the quality is untouchable. While there
were some strong storms during the harvested, hail was limited only to the Medoc
region. The wines produced have strong tannins and will age for decades.
85% merlot was blended with 15% cabernet franc.
1982
Harvested: September, 13, 1982
The one you've been waiting for! The harvest of the century
according to the French Agricultural Board. This 6 star vintage, according
to Parker, will leave you speechless. Parker has said the wines will age
for 40 years. This Bordeaux is 95% merlot and 5% cabernet franc.
1986
Harvested: September 23, 1986
One of the largest crops at the time, wines emerged that could
potentially age for 30-40 years. This would mean that they are tasting
fantastic right now, which they are! A little bit of rain just before
harvest seemed to have little if any negative effects. An all around good
vintage for Bordeaux, this little treasure is a blend of 85% merlot and 15%
cabernet franc.
1990
Harvested: September, 12, 1990
The warmest vintage since 1947 produced wines that will age for
25-30 years according to Robert Parker. Parker also gave this vintage a
respectable 3 stars. This vintage is a blend of 95% merlot and 5% cabernet
franc.
1995
Harvested: September, 20, 1995
The largest crop ever produced in Bordeaux! A 6 star vintage
according to Robert Parker and an instant classic according to many wine
critics. It is said that this vintage can compete against many of the
other great years including 1984. Wines of great complexity and merlot was
at its best, while the cabernet franc added tannins and structure. 95%
merlot and 5% cabernet franc
2000
Harvested: September 28,
2000
This 100% merlot was given 6 stars by Robert Parker. Not
only is it the last wine of the century, it is also one of the best. Many
compare this vintage to 1955 or even 1970. Only 500 bottles were made!
Cold weather almost wrecked havoc on the vineyards in the early part of the
summer, but milder temperatures eventually came and saved the crop.