It’s been quite the shutdown of doing things we`re passionate about in order to be safe, clean and distanced during this crazy time. One of my big misses is the weekly, bi-monthly and monthly wine groups that I’m a part of. After about 3 months, it seemed reasonable to invite another couple over for wine and appetizers on our rooftop where we can create a safe, fresh air, adequately distanced environment for 4 and we did just that.
We were blessed with a sunny, clear sky during the early evening hours with temperatures in the mid 70s. No good COVID-19 would want to show up and ruin these stellar moments.
Roelanda took care of the food choosing a Dutch theme that included cheeses, crackers, nuts and dried fruit, most of which came from the Netherlands.
I selected the wines based upon our guests preferences, prepared them properly and used appropriate stemware for serving. Our wines:
2012 DELAMOTTE BLANC de BLANC MILLESIME BRUT- served in Sophienwald Grand Cru champagne glasses; 60% of the fruit sources for this comes from les Mesnil-sur-Oger, Ovize and Oger with 20% equal parts from each and the remainder of the fruit comes from Cramant, Chouilly and Oiry; it had such an inviting nose of fresh yellow roses and stone fruit which on the palate included peach, apricot, pear, Golden Delicious apple and lemon; it had a wondrous creamy mouthfeel which served to enhanced the long, satisfying finish; this is marvelous bubbly now and has all of the structure to be great in the years to come. No 2012 Salon is to be made so I’m assuming most if not all of the fruit went into the BdB that was not held back in reserve.
2017 DOMAINE MOREY-COFFINET LES HOUILLERES CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET- I`ve been a fan of this producer especially over the last few years and enjoyed every bottle immensely; the domaine is comprised of Michael Morey, who was the son of the late Marc Morey, and his wife, Fabienne, who comes from the Pillot family; they started the domaine in the 1970s sourcing fruit from the esteemed vineyards owned by the 2 families; this bottle was superb having beautiful balance and giving up its treasures of mineral snd mild hints of flint infused honeyed lemon, orange peel, apple and pear; it had a medium to full body and weight and lovely texture; it just held its own and stayed the course for the duration of the 2 hours we sipped it using the same stem.
2008 HOURGLASS CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA- this comes from a 4 acre hillside vineyard where the Mayacamas Mountain range meets the valley floor as represented by the pinch in the hourglass, thus its name; decanted 2 hours ahead and served in Riedel Vinum Bordeaux stems; lovely wine here with youthful exuberance and vitality at this pubescence stage; it wants to give and it gives generously with huge aromas of dark spicy fruit which on the palate translates into black berry, blackberry, black currant and plum along with mild accents of oak spice, leather and cedar; it has super soft tannins which allows for a nice feel; as smooth and easy as it is at the outset, it is equally so at the back end; as stated, lovely wine.
And such a lovely evening. We agreed, this was doable while maintaining safe, healthy parameters. In my mind, enjoying life and sharing it with others is a health enhancing choice and we will be better as a result. Next couple up.
Cheers,
Blake