As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting and analyzing the wines from the 2014 vintage. In my opinion, 2014 was indeed a good year for Claret, or red Bordeaux wines.
One of the standout features of the 2014 Claret is the overall quality. The wines exhibit a level of elegance and finesse that is truly remarkable. This is not to say that they lack concentration or depth, but rather that they possess a refined and balanced character. The tannins are well-integrated and silky, providing a smooth and seamless mouthfeel.
What struck me most about the 2014 Claret is its classic Claret characteristics. In recent vintages, there has been a trend towards riper, more fruit-forward styles of Bordeaux. While this can be appealing in its own right, it sometimes detracts from the traditional Claret style. However, in 2014, the wines have a more restrained and nuanced profile, with a focus on elegance and structure.
The aromatics of the 2014 Claret are also quite impressive. There is a beautiful complexity to the nose, with notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, and plum, as well as hints of cedar, tobacco, and graphite. These aromas are layered and well-defined, adding to the overall allure of the wines.
In terms of aging potential, the 2014 Claret has great promise. The wines have a good backbone of acidity, which will help them to develop and evolve over time. While they are certainly enjoyable now, I believe that they will continue to improve with age, developing additional complexity and nuance.
In terms of personal experiences, I have had the opportunity to taste several 2014 Claret wines from different producers and appellations. Each wine had its own unique expression, reflecting the terroir and winemaking style of the estate. However, what remained consistent across the board was the overall quality and elegance of the wines. It was a pleasure to taste these wines and appreciate the craftsmanship that went into creating them.
To summarize, 2014 was indeed a good year for Claret. The wines exhibit a level of elegance and finesse that is truly remarkable. The classic Claret characteristics are present, with a focus on balance and structure. The aromatics are complex and enticing, and the wines show great potential for aging. Overall, the 2014 Claret is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of Bordeaux winemaking.