It was a quiet start to the week but what a day. First opened was a 1976 Leroy Beaune Aigrots which showed a fully mature nose of tar, leather, earth, fig, and raisins. Initial whiff of VA (volatile acidity). Incredible richness, depth, and length on the palate where it showed more fruit component and subdued earthiness. This is definitely a wine to drink now. Admittedly, the nose was a bit off-putting from the VA so while we waited for the funk to (hopefully) blow off, Dr. Scott opened a 1969 Remoissenet Vosne-Romanee Les Malconsorts.
According to him, this is an epic year for him as he entered first grade on this year. This showed a more discreet earthiness. High-toned with tons of minerality along with red fruits and clove spice. Tasted after the much richer and dense Leroy, this seemed austere. And yes, the VA did dissipate from the Leroy allowing the dried fruit flavors to push through. Just as we were polishing off the last drop of Leroy, the Graileys boys walked having just come from a weekend trip. AJ pulls out a bottle of 2000 Bryant Family Cabernet Sauvignon from his backpack. This was youthful showing a remarkable deep ruby core and intense black pepper spice, blackcurrant, blackberry, toasty vanilla, and crème de cassis. That spicy aromatics was so pronounced, I initially thought this was a Syrah until I tasted the wine. It was unabashedly Napa Cabernet with its density, fruit concentration, and a broad mid-palate. This bottle has a long way to go.