By: AJ McClellan
We had a great night last night. A few members dropped in and we opened a few stunning wines around the table. After regaling us with stories from his recent trip one member put the 94 Insignia on the table and it was all downhill from there…
1994 Insignia – I was very impressed with this wine. The Insignia showed bright red and black fruits with a stunning backgroud of old spice, cinnamon, and cloves. The palate was very complex with a strong middle palate and wonderful finish.
1995 Chateau La Nerthe CDP Cuvee des Cadettes – I think this is a great CDP. It is soft and silky, a little lighter than you might expect but I think it adds to the charm of the bottle. Not overly complex but with great fruit notes and loads of earth that make this a fun bottle to drink.
2007 DeForville Barbaresco – Another fun bottle although this wine seems to fade the longer it is open. When first opened it shows a crisp red fruits with a classic Barbaresco tannin structure. Not overly complex but very tasty grape juice. After an hour in the glass the fruit fades and all you are left with is astringent tannins.
1999 Chateau Monbousquet – Classic Bordeaux. Graphite, forest floor, dusty cherry, dark raspberries, turned earth, and cooking spice.
1998 Mommessin Clos de Tart GC – This bottle was spectacular! Stunning black cherries with wild mushrooms and moist forest floor. The glass could not contain the earth of the wine and it floated out to tantalize my nose after I set the bottle down. Very complex with a wonderful finish.
1997 Domaine Michel Niellon Chevalier Montrachet – This bottle was slightly oxidized with honey and nut notes followed by hay, pears, and yellow apples.