SMALL GATHERING - 08 AND 88 CRISTAL ROSES AND 00 BORDEAUXS - Capital Grille Tysons, DC (11/18/2021)
We planned a small gathering of four to drink a few nice bottles of wine including the 15 Lafon Montrachet. Unfortunately Justin got a sore throat and was unable to join. A great friend and gentleman that he is, he insisted on sending the wines down. Although we appreciated the gesture, we declined. Instead, RJ arranged to deliver some medicine as well as a comfort animal to Justin to snuggle.
Three of us started at 3:30. As usual, we had so much fun that the dinner lasted until a bit after 9. Since, Justin was unable to join, we decided to hold another gathering in early December.
88 Cristal
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1988 Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Brut Rosé - France, Champagne
Fully mature nose displaying subtle yellow and red fruit, apricot preserve, raspberry soda, caramel, copper, smoke, cep, truffle, brioche, sweet spices and limestone. Fully integrated palate, finely layered subtle sweet red and yellow fruit, sweet and decadent but also nicely detailed, good freshness and precision, very fine medium generous mousse, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and a long subtle red and yellow fruit driven finish with truffle and caramel at the end. It is almost like the 88 Cristal brut. Really complex and very enjoyable. (96 pts.)
07 Dauvissat Clos
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2007 Vincent Dauvissat (René & Vincent) Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos - France, Burgundy, Chablis, Chablis Grand Cru
Perfectly mature yet youthful nose displaying ripe but pure yellow fruit, lemon curd, candied lemon peel, honeysuckle, honey, beeswax, crème caramel, sweet spices, oyster and mineral. Beautifully integrated palate, finely layered rich but pure yellow fruit, rich and oily but also good precision and freshness, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and a seamless long sweet yellow fruit driven finish with honeysuckle and limestone at the end. This is the freshest example I have had. Although the fruit is rich, this is a classic Dauvissat. Excellent showing. (96 pts.)
00 Bordeaux
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2000 Château La Clusière - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru
Corked. The palate has soften which is a good thing. NR (flawed) -
2000 Château Pavie - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru
Youthful expressive nose displaying incredibly concentrated opulent black and blue fruit, blackberry liqueur, crushed blackberry, licorice, milk chocolate, liquid smoke, very floral, dark spices and mineral. Exceptional concentration, layers upon layers of opulent black fruit, rich and unctuous but also silky, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, very fine tannins, and a long concentrated black fruit driven finish with dark milk chocolate and lavender at the end. Although it remains very youthful, the ample opulent fruit makes the 00 Pavie very enjoyable. There is absolutely no reason to rush but it is so darn delicious. (98 pts.) -
2000 Château Margaux - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux
Expressive nose displaying unbelievably concentrated black fruit, blackberry liqueur, crème de cassis, black cherry, licorice, rose, lead pencil, caramel, cedar, a hint of mint and mineral. Exceptional concentration, layers upon layers of perfectly ripe black fruit, dense yet precise and beautifully detailed, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and a seamless long incredibly concentrated rich black fruit driven finish with liquid smoke and a hint of mint at the end. Although this is incredibly youthful, it is drinking beautifully. This can easily improve for three more decades. Excellent showing. (99 pts.)
08 Cristal Rose
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2008 Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Brut Rosé - France, Champagne
Exquisite nose displaying perfectly ripe subtle red and yellow fruit, strawberry soda, raspberry, fresh apricot, lemon curd, copper, rose, light caramel, brioche and limestone. Exceptional balance and precision, finely layered subtle red and yellow fruit, elegant, precise and weightless, very fine generous mousse, perfect amount of acidity and mineral, and a seamless long subtle red and yellow fruit driven finish with copper and rose at the end. The last bottle from two years ago was a bit tight. This is so elegant yet expressive. Exceptional showing. (98 pts.)
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