By: AJ McClellan
There are many things that make Graileys unique. Not only do we have a great selection of wines, and a knowledgeable staff of sommeliers that can help you with any of your wine needs, but most importantly we have some of the greatest members that you could ask for. Friday one such member went above and beyond, opening a plethora of remarkable wines that brought the whole room together uniting us in our love for the juice.
Friday was an epic day. The whole room was full and we had several groups of members in. One member in particular was kind enough to not only pop some great bottles but he opened several of each wine so that everyone could get a good taste. This to me is what Graileys is all about, and I would like to say thank you for your generosity.
1969 Remoissenet Clos Vougeot – The 69 Clos Vougeot was phenomenal, drinking with soft tannins and fresh strawberry and cherry notes that defy the age of the bottle.
2 x 1999 Domaine Leflaive Bienvenue Batard Montrachet – One of the best bottles of white wine I have had this year. The nose had notes of honey and caramel with a hint of toast and popcorn. The palate was full of laser like acidity and had a limestone finish that was to die for.
3 x 1998 Penfolds Grange – A stunning example of what you can accomplish out of Australia. 98 Grange is a monster wine with big black fruit, smoked meats, bell pepper, eucalyptus, and a great rocky minerality.
2003 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet 6 Liter – This is a party in a bottle. The wine went all the way around the room and still had 2/3 of a bottle left. Soft black fruits on the nose and palate with silky tannins and hints of tobacco and leather on the finish.
In addition to the great contributions by one member, there were some other exceptional bottles of wine opened for the table that deserve mention…
NV Le Mesnil Rare Wine Co – This is a special bottle that was bottles just for the Rare Wine Company. The wine was lacking the sourdough note that many Champagnes have but the fruit was very fresh.
2004 Cristal – This bottle just gets better every time I taste it. The nose showed lemon peel with white peach, and great mineral notes.
1995 Dom Perignon – When opening this bottle I thought it would be a little too young but after pouring it in my glass I was pleased to find lovely yeasty notes with a dark honey and concentrated quince. A really fun bottle of wine.
2004 Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque – The tete de cuvee of Perrier Joulet, Belle Epoque, is drinking well but pales in comparison to the Dom. Bursting with yeasty notes and huge effervescence, this bottle drinks very well but needs more time in the bottle to calm down I think.
Below are some other wines that we had on Friday that deserve honorable mention…
Needless to say, it was a pretty awesome night!