1985 Chateau St. Jean Semillon d’Or Late Harvest

Another Boy’s Night with the Sonoma tasting group, mostly winemakers and other pros. We asked everyone to bring odd stuff and mostly they complied, though some of us have different definitions of “odd.” Certainly, there’s no argument that ’85 Chateau St. Jean Semillon d’Or Late Harvest, a blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc, was odd. Surprisingly, it wasn’t particularly browned or oxidized, either. Rather, there was a definite varietal aroma of sauv blanc, noticeable honey qualities, and a distinct undercurrent of moldy puke. The palate was consistent, though the acidity was much lower than the puke smell would imply.

SY (10/00)