1983 Biondi Santi Brunello Riserva & 1989 Talbot

I found a bottle of 1989 Talbot St. Julien in my cellar the other night at home and I had the inspiration to serve it blind against a 1983 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. I was having dinner with some friends from Shanghai in Tuscany.

The Brunello was fresh and firm with powerful aromas and flavors of blueberries and mushrooms. It had a tanned leather undertone. It was very tannic yet fresh and beautiful. It was very silky. I scored it 96 points.

The Bordeaux was much more herbaceous and reminded me of lemon grass and basil with currant character. I was very surprised it was so herbal now. I honestly couldn't finish the glass compared to the glorious Brunello. I scored it 88 points.

Maybe I was being hard on the Talbot and if I had drunk it alone without the Italian red, it may have been more impressive. However, if you have some 1989 Talbot in your cellar, I suggest drinking it. It's not getting any better. The 1983 Biondi Santi has a long future of excellent drinking ahead.