By: AJ McClellan
We had a full day yesterday with many bottles flying around the tables. A few that I was most impressed with were the 1978 La Mission Haut Brion, 2010 Emmanuel Rouget Nuits st Georges, 2003 Valdicava Brunello, and 1988 Pichon Baron.
The popcorn master in the shop, so of course we had some truffle popcorn going around the room. The popcorn paired perfectly with the E Rouget which was light and crisp with truffle notes and ripe black berries. The Burgundy has a lingering finish that told of quality construction and a beautiful finesse about it that is unusual for NSG wines.
Next we popped the 2003 Valdicava Beunello which was awesome! We picked this up in a cellar recently, and I must say that I have had my eye on this bottle since we got it. The wine was powerful as you would expect from a 03 Tuscan full of spice, black fruit, liquorish, and cigar box. The finish was a little clipped unfortunately but I felt that at the price point it was a excellent bottle of wine.
The highlight of the night was a duo of Bordeaux’s starting with the 1988 Pichon Baron and ending with the 1978 La Mission. The Baron was in a perfect spot for drinking. Classic graphite, prune, lavender, and crushed granite. Long finish with plenty of earth and minerality. The La Mission was ready to drink as well but I would drink my next bottle sooner rather than later. Very little fruit remained and what was left was full of spice, earth, mineral , and floral notes. The wine was still very enjoyable as the tannins had been whittled away by time and the wine was a little too easy to drink.
Other wines of the night were 2007 Jack Quinn, 2002 Shirvington Shiraz, 2002 Potel Echezeaux, 1998 Jaboulet La Chapelle, 2012 Caymus Cabernet, 2002 Elderton Shiraz, 2008 Pret a Boire Rose, NV Gonet Medeville Rose, NV Pierre Jouet Brut.