Vergez Bellou 1986 43%

I couldn’t find much information about the Vergez Bellou estate. If you know more about its history or origins, I’d be glad to hear from you.

Colour: Mahogany with orange lights. Irregular heavy tears.

Nose: Nice rancio at first, with hints of damp cellar. Massive exotic notes on mango juice and guava. Heavy tannins expressed through bourbon vanilla and pine needle. Delicate candied citrus in the background.

Palate: Oily, with a touch of bitterness. Briny black olive and seaweed. Extreme rusticity, almost like walking into a woodworking shop. Slight leather. Finishes with unexpected acidulous red fruit.

Last Notes: Dry floral notes (potpourri). Jammy fruit, especially tinned quince. More refined than expected. Nutty shades on hazelnut cream. Fresh earthy touches. Ends on clove and peppermint.

I expected an older-style profile, but this was a pleasant surprise. Still lacks some precision and depth to go above 87.