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 Rain and snow, thunder and hail, cloud cover, cold and now... now a tenuous ray of sweet sweet sunshine! The wintry mix relents with a dash of hope. From sunken hearts, spirits rise. What does tomorrow bring? What will you drink tonight?
When batted between gloom and glee, intentions tire and twist. Do we need a wine that’s summery and aspirational? Chill some rose and dream of beaches miles and months away? Or can we combat confusion with a bottle of something classic, stylish and perfectly ready to drink?
We at Winfield Flynn have chosen the latter: 1997 Chateau Pichon-Baron Pauillac.
Remarkably lively fruit and still-scrappy tannins distinguish this resurgent second growth Bordeaux from others of its vintage. 1997 was a problematic year for Bordeaux and one that is famously not age-worthy. A host of factors, including erratic weather (sound familiar?) and uneven ripening conspired to produce dull, diluted wines. Destined for dismissal and doomed to drink young, what can we do but pity this year?
Take a chance! Open a bottle! 1997 Pichon-Baron is a straightforward counterexample to the flatness of the vintage. Wafts of cocoa, green pepper, wet tea leaves and black currants fill the nose. Tobacco, cedar and vanilla bounce gently about the palate, stabilized by firm, friendly red berry fruit. We saw no need to decant this wine and really enjoyed it on its own. Light fare, cured meats, mild cheeses and a movie would showcase its charms just as well. Smart, easy, masculine, and that rarest of finds: a fabulous, low-maintenance Pauillac! Meet him today. Drink him tonight.
Enjoy!
The Staff of Winfield Flynn | 
