1985 vs 1988 Chateau Clarke Listrac Medoc Cru Bourgeois

1985 vs 1988 Chateau Clarke 
Listrac Medoc Cru Bourgeois

Please read my notes on Chateau Clarke 1982 Fine Wines Discovery Set 1982. I have mentioned Chateau Clarke performed way above expectation alongside the big guys, and thus I picked two great vintages, 1985 and 1988 to reconfirm my observation. Do note that in 1973 this chateau changed ownership to Baron Edmond de Rothschild, thus they have direct access to Lafite Rothschild’s winemaking skills and vine tendering, the result was obviously great. Both 85 and 88 performed really well; to pick a winner, it really depends on your choice of style, as two were of different personalities. 1985 was very representative of most 1985 Bordeaux wines, deep and assuring flavor, with very aged tones, it’s one of my all-time-favorite vintages. 1988 was surprisingly young, but similarly with very deep flavor that tickles the palate easily with very impressive multidimensional notes. I vow to bring in more Chateau Clarke in the future, as I am sold by the quality, it’s no doubt one of the best Cru Bourgeois I can find in Bordeaux, plus the prices are so reasonable, it’s a no brainer.