By: AJ McClellan
Yesterday we had a smaller turn out than was expected but what we lacked in quantity we made up for in quality. We started the night strong with a trio of great Burgundies and continued the Pinot Noir theme throughout the night.
1969 Remoissenet Gevrey Chambertin 1er Clos st Jacques – This 69 was drinking like a champ. The nose was full of soft violets, red roses, dry currants, and dusty cherry. The palate was like a perfectly made bed complete with satin sheets of tannin and a little chocolaty mint on the finish.
1982 Leroy Beaune Cent Vignes – This bottle was my wine of the night! The nose and palate were very clean with notes of raspberry and light black cherry followed by lovely forest floor and a subtle floral note. The body was very light but with smooth tannins and a long finish.
2000 Groffier Bonnes Mares GC – The exact opposite of the Leroy. Powerful on the nose and palate with dark cherries and a rocky minerality. The plate was very smooth, after a few hours of opening up, and the finish was excellent. I think this bottle will grow up to be excellent.
2005 Beaucastel VV Blanc – This was a very interesting bottle of wine. When we first opened it the texture was very waxy with notes of petrel yellow flowers, honey comb, and white pepper. The palate was a little austere and not fitting together well. After three hours of sitting in the glass the wine finally started to come around. If you own this bottle I would give it at least another decade.
1988 Armond Rousseau Gevrey Chambertin – A good bottle but one that was not meant to have 20+ years on it. The fruit was fading but the tannins were still hanging in there.
NV Gonet Medeville Blanc de Noir – These Gonet wines are wonderful. This bottle showed fresh lemon/lime on the nose with a backing of slate and a wonderful finish.
2007 Soliste Pinot Noir – It has been a year since I have tasted this wine and I must say that it is still packing punch. The nose is beautiful but I feel that the palate needs another two years or so to finish calming down.