We spent much of the day perusing our inventory and sending offers to our clients who, presumably, were busy charting their day of the hearts. Well, fortunately for us, David E’s itinerary for the day included a Graileys drive by. He came in armed with a bottle of 1990 Gunther Steinmetz Kestener Paulinsberg Riesling Spatlese. Yeah, say that ten times fast. Personally, I’ll stick to “exquisite”, “phenomenal,” and “great finesse”. Frankly, this wine had me at petrol. Definitely showing mature bouquet with petrol intermingling with honeyed apricot, peach, poached pears, roasted almonds and subtle orange blossoms. Silky-textured, elegant with a spine of acidity that was the perfect foil to its touch of honeyed sweetness. Persistent minerally finish.
Next to stop by was Louis R for a pre-dinner bottle before heading out with Julie. He had older California Cabernet in mind and I obliged with a bottle of 1987 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley which appeared younger than its age suggested. Pale garnet core fading to a very slight red-brick hue on the rim suggested maturity but the nose was packed with a core of deep dark plums, cassis, black cherries and hints of toasty espresso beans. After some time in the glass, there was added notes of black licorice and dried tobacco that added complexity. Resolved tannins giving supple, smooth texture. In prime drinking window right now.
The 2000 Vincent Girardin Ruchottes-Chambertin was opened next and it was showing phenomenally well with iron, minerals, dusty cherries, sweet spice and subtle smoke on the nose and palate. Delicious and succulent on the palate with vibrant acidity. Cherry-tinged finish.