1985 Rocca Alfonso Barbaresco Ronchi - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco (7/3/2020)
This was better than expected. Advanced in color looking tobacco hued. All tertiary after a short decant. Sweet dark berries came with air. The palate was sweet fruited from the start and, like the nose, improved with air. Low alcohol and elegant. A beautiful wine from this unknown (to me) producer.
2008 Agrapart Champagne Grand Cru Minéral Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut - France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru (7/3/2020)
I loved this, and might have caught it at its apogee. There’s great synergy of creaminess and crispness, sweet pastry and sour citrus, hazelnut and minerals, tension and polish. Gorgeous nose, palate, and finish. There’s nothing more to say, but Cheers! I can’t wait to try the Venus and Avizoise lost somewhere in the cellar.
