“It’s been far too long” I usually find myself saying that, or something close to that when I make it back down into the greater Boston area to see Doug Schulman (a forum member) & his family. It’s fun to catch up with his wife & see how the boys have grown (it gets easier & easier to understand them as they continue to add to & evolve their vocabulary). No matter how long it is, there is always a long list of wines I want to share with Doug, Ara, and some of the others that frequently show up for these small gatherings. I have to say…the anticipation of these gatherings is always exciting. Trying to figure out what I want to open, share, and how lucky I feel to get to taste with people that have their knowledge and insight.
Almost all the wines were served blind initially then after we had our calls we did the show & tell. Tonight was humbling in the blinds for me. Having said that, we had a great time and for only 3 of us…it was an embarrassment of riches & generosity that hurt my liver.
2014 Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Saint-Aubin 1er Cru En Remilly Blanc - This was in such a lovely space…for my palate this was the best of the 3 bottles that I bought. The nerve & cut of youth was starting to round and meld into a beautifully balanced wine. Drink now or continue to hold. For me, I’d have a hard time not opening another bottle this weekend…if I had one.
2017 Emrich-Schönleber Halenberg Riesling Großes Gewächs - This one got me. There was something in this wine that really screamed of chalk & slate that I usually pick up in Alsace Grand Crus.
2019 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Cuvée Roussanne Vieilles Vignes - This did not make it into the fridge initially, but once chilled it was something special. I’ve never had an aged one of these that I liked, but this was so unique. Scents of Juicy Fruit bubble gum are what I remember mostly…but the palate had body without being cloying and the length on the finish was long…long…long.
Blind Champagne #1 (still a mystery…)
Blind Champagne #2 2012 José Michel & Fils Champagne Special Club
Blind Champagne #3 2000 Drappier Champagne Grande Sendrée - Rich, and clearly the oldest of the three blind Champagnes. A wine that suffers sitting beside #2 but would be a joy on its own.
Blind Red #1 2019 Domaine Marquis d’Angerville Volnay 1er Cru Champans (375ml)- WTF? This was possibly the biggest disappointment of the night. It behaved like a hot messs strait outta Paso Robles. This was one of my contributions and I can’t begin to share how shocked everyone else was when I showed them this bottle.
Blind Red #2 2017 Fattoria Poggio di Sotto Rosso di Montalcino (perfect with our Pizza break) - This is yet another lovely bottle that reminds me how special these wines really are. Balanced, with good acidity, and a freshness of fruit and did I say balanced?
Blind Red #3 2019 Bitouzet-Prieur Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes - This was more clearly Pinot Noir, but had most folks guessing Central Otago rather than Burgundy. I’m guessing that the warmth of the vintage and this being early in it’s life are both playing into this. Here’s to hoping that another 10-15 years changes things a bit.
I think after this we dug into the 2015 Barolos that were the idea behind this gathering.
2015 G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole - This was my first go with this vintage, but was quite promising. I have to say every time I have these wines I’m more and more impressed by this producer. The tannin is quite present, and I would guess this is about to shut down…but tonight it’s lovely.
2015 Massolino Barolo Margheria - Corked…bummer
2015 Fratelli Brovia Barolo Brea Vigna Ca’mia - This was nice, but lacking in the complexity and depth of the other two Brovia wines. I’m not sure that I’m a fan of this wine in these groupings…but I’m pretty sure I’d be very happy to be drinking this if it’s the only bottle opened.
2015 Fratelli Brovia Barolo Villero - This (for me) is always the most elegant of the Brovia wines. I love how accessible they are in their youth, and how long the finish is. I’m not sure that I’ve ever had a Brovia Villero that was ever shut-down.
2015 Fratelli Brovia Barolo Rocche di Castiglione - Rich & robust, the proverbial iron fist in the velvet glove.
2015 Vietti Barolo Rocche di Castiglione - This had a level of depth & complexity that is difficult to capture in words. It seemed to have an endless well of scents and flavors that continually shifted & evolved. I’m not sure it’s worth 3-4x the price of the Brovia wine. They were so close in quality level & complexity.
We ended the Barolo tasting with the two RdC (Vietti & Brovia) & the Villero. Those three stood head & shoulders above all the bottles.
After this…it gets a bit fuzzy about the order but I’m pretty sure we went to them in this order
2018 Dirty and Rowdy Mourvèdre Cuvée Herve - These wines always stump me. I love them, but never know how to call them. I wish I had bought more of these when they were available.
2012 Pierre Péters Champagne Grand Cru Cuvée Speciale Blanc de Blancs Les Montjolys - This was quite rich and reminded us of Egly-Ouriet in style, which was a real shock. I’m curious to see how this will change with time…I still think I prefer the Chetillons.
2019 Henri Costal Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons - This was nice, but I’ve had others that I enjoy more and cost less.