We enjoyed a fine evening with dear friends from LA who drove up for the night. Our dinner venue was Ca Dario Montecito where I had just dined the night before with my Monday night dinner group.
After some champagne on the rooftop of our penthouse, we caught a ride share and took some additional wines with us. Here’s some notes:
2008 JEAN MICHEL CUVEE SPECIALE EXTRA BRUT- a blend of 50% Pinot Meunier and 50% Chardonnay; bottled April 2010; disgorged January 2020, dosed at 1 gpl; it is sourced from 7 different crus in Moussy and neighboring communes and undergoes at least 8-10 years on the lees after being harvested; the nose showcased its serious citrus notes with lemon zest most prominent; the taste profile was more of honeyed lemon with a touch of lime and yellow apple; it was full bodied, very rich and creamy and with bright acidity; it certainly had a bit of the power and thrust of the 2008 vintage. this was my 7th bottle of this fine bubbly and all have been very good including a couple which were blind poured for others who had it as a Taittinger Comtes which I do not, but it gives an idea as to its allure.
2019 BENANTI ‘CONTRADA RINAZO’ ETNA BIANCO SUPERIORE- 12% abv; 100% Carricante de-stemmed and softly pressed, then matured in stainless steel tanks on fine lees for about 12 months with frequent stirrings before being bottled 6 months later; this was really good with honeyed lemon oil most prevalent in the nose and the taste profile enhanced by accents of white flowers, orange peel, licorice, lime and a streak of minerals running all the way through; the creamy texture and long finish made for a grand experience; loved it.
1990 ANTINORI TIGNANELLO TOSCANA- I have had nothing but great bottles of this wine in the past both from my cellar and others, but it had been a few years since the last one and fortunately, this was the best of all and it was my last bottle; following its dark vibrant purple color came aromas of some earth tones along with saddle leather, dark chocolate and sandalwood joined by spicy black currant coming in beautifully in the taste profile; it had a soft, smooth mouthfeel and a hallmark of impeccable balance; it was super rich and full bodied but medium in weight allowing it to be profoundly gentle while exuding class and sophistication; this was one of my best wines on the year.
1989 GAJA COSTA RUSSI BARBARESCO- following its inky dark purple color came equally intense aromas of tar, anise, coffee and spicy laden dark fruit which on the palate showed up as blackcurrant and blackberry; it was a massive wine that had immense depth and complexity, initially offering a note of this and a note of that until after about 20 minutes, everything came together and now it was an amazing experienced, one to be treasured; it had a huge tannic backbone that supports this being viable for a few more decades; this was brought by my friend who had driven from LA earlier in the day and he did not have an opportunity to decant it, so we poured it at the outset of the evening in large Sophienwald Bordeaux stems and tasted it last.
This was a lovely evening with wonderful friends who also delight in all things good in the world of wine and on the table and sharing them with others.
Cheers,
Blake
