Clos des Papes
Châteauneuf-du-Pape White Rhone Blend 2006
A great pairing for the Ottolenghi meal. Gregarious, curvy without being flabby, low acid—savory. @Alsu Shakirova says umami. Just the right hint of oxidation. Reminds one of LdH Todonia blanco.
Château Haut-Coustet
Sauternes-Barsac Sémillon 2006
Simply fabulous juice. Still a baby, but in a lovely place right now. Notes of coconut, tropical fruit, citrus rind, light oak. Sweetness is à point. Pure hedonism, smoke 'em if you got 'em.
La Rioja Alta
Gran Reserva 904 Rioja Tempranillo Graciano 2001
Ethereal nose of maturing rioja. You really could get lost in it, just swirling away during dinner. Rim gradation, everything is whirring and clicking in this adolescent. Great acid, tannins still present. Enjoy now or in 25 years.
Avinyó
Brut Reserva Cava 2013
This is all about finesse. Very dry, champagne-like Green apple, toasted almonds. Serve it to your friends blind and listen to the superlatives...beautiful work
Dom Pérignon
Limited Edition David Lynch Cuvée Brut Champagne 2003
David Lynch & Dom P? LVMH PR would likely play up the “synergies” between two brands that remain sui generis. I think it’s a cool box that may or may not ape Mouton Rothschild’s perennial artist labels...now to the wine...likely the nuttiest champagne we’ve ever had. Light fizz, low acid, palate is the spectrum of nuttiness: marzipan, raw almond, baked bread. The finish is lasting and fabulous. Happy birthday, Judy! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 @Roy Whitehead
Domaine Faury
Côte-Rôtie Syrah 2005
A whole different game than the Tardieu-Laurent. Dark ruby, with very little rim gradation. Tighter, yet more supple, with notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and pepper. Fruit-forward. Subdued nose. Delicious, but hold and see.
Cayuse Vineyards
En Chamberlin Vineyard Impulsivo Tempranillo 2011
An initial funk that quickly burned off--decant recommended. Fascinating smoky-woody-dark fruit accord. Muted nose. Alcohol is well-integrated, and there isn't an overbearing heat. This improved greatly over an hour in the glass. Nice work.
Château Coutet
Sauternes-Barsac Sémillon Blend 2006
Gorgeous with pumpkin cheesecake. Tropical fruits, pina colada...ages to go
Beaux Frères
The Beaux Frères Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008
My favorite!
Gorgeous fruit, pure and fresh as milk. Thanksgiving wine.
Tardieu-Laurent
Côte-Rôtie Syrah 2000
Wine of the night for me (and @Alsu Shakirova ). Rim gradation correct for its age, heavy sediment. Textbook Northern Rhône aromas of grilled meats, BBQ spices, herbs, and blossom. Lithe, and very food-friendly. In an excellent place right now, but could develop over another decade. I don't get the wan acidity others are complaining about.
Maren Finzer
Maren had this 6 years ago