By: AJ McClellan
We had a rather restrained night at Graileys yesterday. Even with only a few members in there were still some excellent bottles of wine opened up. One of my favorites was the Gaja Gromis which was very impressive after some time in the glass.
1990 Gaja Gromis Conteisa Cerequio Barolo – A lovely bottle of wine. Big tobacco, dried flowers, orange zest, and sour dusty cherry on the nose. The palate was soft and light on the palate with well structured tannins that melt in the mouth. The finish was lively with a lingering minerality and great acidity.
1992 Bollinger Grand Anne – Very biscuit on the nose and palate with huge sourdough bread, quince, apricot, and Asian pear. A Nice bottle of wine but very oxidative in style.
1996 Hudelot Noellat Clos Vougeot – I am a big fan of Hudelot as a producer, all the wines I have had from him have been consistent and high in quality. The 96 Clos Vougeot was drinking beautifully with dry red cherries, crisp acidity, and a great mineral finish.
2006 Damilano Cannubi Barolo – An impressive Barolo. This single vineyard wine was dark and very concentrated showing big plum notes with pipe tobacco, brazed duck with soy sauce, and old leather. The tannins were still hard but after a few years in the bottle that should loosen up.