A friend entertained a few others for a pot luck type dinner on the fresh air outside patio of his home. Grilled meats and lobster tails highlighted the main entrees and the wine theme was for champagnes, white and red Burgundy. We ate and drink well and often.
We had a wide assortment of wines that were served somewhat out of order. My notes reflect a more logical order:
NV BOLLINGER SPECIAL CUVEE- 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Meunier sourced from more than 300 crus, including 85% grands and premiers crus; this comes from Bollie`s latest batch and was consistent with previous notes for 4 other bottles as I found it to be very peasant with an over all mellow aura that started off with mild, spicy and brioche infused citrus aromas that were a bit more pronounced on the palate; lemon, lime. apple and kiwi made up the basic fruit profile; it had a soft, lush mousse and bright acidity; a very nice starter.
NV PHILIPPONNAT ROYALE RESERVE BRUT- this is a blend primarily of Pinot Noir grapes from the southern slopes of the fabled Montagne de Rheims – acclaimed by many to be Champagne’s greatest vineyards – to which lesser amounts of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier are added; honeyed apple, pear and raspberry fruit is delivered in a rich and creamy mousse making this a true pleasure to explore and drink.
1993 LOUIS ROEDERER CRISTAL- this was made with an all time high inclusion of 60% Chardonnay; as first indicated by its amber gold color, oxidative notes prevailed in this nice bring; almonds and hazelnuts are joined by caramel and butterscotch along with apricot and mango while being delivered in a nice, viscous texture; it had a crescendo build up as it finished with everything coming together and hanging on for a grand finish; contrary to many “older” champagnes I`v e had recently, this bottle was more like an entry or beginning level of top maturity and pleasurable and drinking it now was very prudent.
2014 DOMAINE HENRI BOILLOT CLOS DE LA MOUCHERE MONOPOLE PULIGNY-MONTRACHET 1er Cru- this was really good with some flint and lots of minerals in the nose plus some fresh and ripe citrus notes; on the palate, lemon, lime, apple and pear are accented with more mineraltiy and a touch of ginger; it had bright acidity, a super smooth feel, full body with some weight and proper length.
2010 ANTOINE JOBARD MEURSAULT-CHARMES 1er Cru- this made a nice statement with lots of aromatics, a big taste profile, a heavy, honey like texture and a long, sustained finish; more specifically, minerals, musky citrus fruit including lemon, orange zest and lime and a streak of spice prevailed throughout.
2013 PIERRE-YVES COLIN-MOREY LES PERRIERES SAINT-AUBIN 1er Cru- sadly this was corked.
2018 BACHELET-MONNOT GRAND VIN DE BOURGOGNE CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET- sourced from sustainably grown 30+ year old vines, the hallmark of this wine was it mouthfeel which was creamy, thick and lightly syrupy; it gave pear, white peach, lemon and guava fruit with underlying minerals throughout and had nice balance especially surprising for being so young.
2014 PIERRE-YVES COLIN- MOREY CEP CENTENAIRES VIEILLES VIGNES SANTENAY- spicy dried red cherry/ berry notes prevailed in this easy quaffer that was light on the palate and in body and weight, but heavy on goodness.
1991 DOMAINE FAIVELEY LES CAZTIERS GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN 1er Cru- this was inundated with Brett, the 4-ethylphenol type, that gives off barnyard and band aid type aromas and tastes; in between layers of this were hints of earthy red raspberry and plum, but for me, the Brett factor was too much and I had made another bad buy with better intentions.
2016 DOMAINE HERSZTYN MAZZINI LES MILLANDES MOREY-SAINT-DENIS 1er Cru- this turned out to be the discovery of the evening for me as it was just brilliant in every way; following the inviting nose came loads of fresh and ripe red fruit with cherry, cranberry and strawberry most evident; it had fabulous mouthfeel, was full bodied and yet had a lot of elegance and class while maintaining nice balance.
2010 DOMAINE DE L`ARLOT LES SUCHOTS VOSNE-ROMANEE 1er Cru- this showed nicely with fresh cut red roses and red berry aromatics and loads of red raspberry and red cherry on the palate; it was medium to full bodied with nice weight and welcomed length; very enjoyable.
2005 LUCIEN LEMOINE LES CHARMES CHAMBOLLE-MUSIGNY 1er Cru- a serious funk dominated the nose and it did not go away soon enough for me to explore further.
1995 DOMAINE RENE ENGEL CLOS VOUGEOT GRAND CRU- somehow, I missed this wine. I hope it was really good.
2001 DOMAINE WEINBACH RIESLING SCHLOSSBERG CUVEE SAINTE CATHERINE “L`INEDIT” ALSACE GRAND CRU- the gold color looked like honey and the taste and texture was most certainly honeyed along with butter, cream and super ripe apricot in this fat and sassy sweetie.
2010 CHATEAU de MALLE SAUTERNES- 375 ml; evidently, we needed another dose of honey as this was laden with it along with mango, papaya, pineapple and kiwi fruit while being delivered in an almost honey like texture.
It was a fun evening and lots of good wine, food and fellowship that was shared by all.
Cheers,
Blake
