By: AJ McClellan
Yesterday was a fun day at Graileys, an interesting mix of wines were popped by the members that we had around the table. My favorite was a close tie between the 88 Brunello and the 02 Echezeaux but by far the most interesting was the 94 Chard by Kalin Cellars….
1994 Kalin Cellars Livermoure Valley Chardonnay – This was an incredibly interesting bottle of Chardonnay… The nose showed slightly oxidized notes of almonds, and honey but the palate was crisp and full of life and vigor.
1988 Poggio Al Vento Riserva Brunello di Montalcino – I have been very impressed with this wine each time we have opened it. The nose shows classic Brunello notes of dusty cherry and damp forest floor with a load of cooking spice. The palate was still tannic but has mellowed to the point where the wine is pleasant to drink. A long finish caps the wine nicely, I think the bottle still has a few more years left before it hits its climax.
2002 Domaine Magnien Michel Aux Echezeaux – Now this is exactly what I am looking for in a Burgundy. Beautiful red fruit notes with a huge mineral note of limestone and remarkably soft on the palate.
1978 Remoissenet Clos de Chens – This Remoissenet always shows well. Bright red fruit with some slight hints of iron on the finish. Classic forest floor with some barnyard in the background.
1990 Col d’Orcia Riserva Brunello di Montalcino – another great Brunello, not quite up to par with the 88 but still showing well.