The Christmas tree is up at Graileys with fantastic wines flowing graciously at the table. Last night was a one table wonder filled with phenomenal bottles each expressing the most impressive beauty from their respective region. You know the night is going to be terrific when you start with a 1996 Jadot Bonnes Mares- the fruit was just waking up with wild red and black cherry, plums and multidimensional layers of anise, fennel, mushrooms and crushed rocks. Powerful in structure, this bottle is an indestructible beast that will shine for decades to come.
We then went through a killer flight of wines from 2002 Salon to 1967 Gaja Barbaresco and 1990 Pichon Lalande, but the winner of the night was the 1959 Clovis Lefevre Vouvray Grande Annee… woah… we meet again. This bottle was more impressive than our previous one! The first time we had the ’59 Vouvray, it was profound and impressive, yes, but there was a little edge in the structure and its flavors were just a tad disjointed. Last night’s bottle was flawless and impenetrable. This is the reason why I love wine- I live for the moments shared with friends that wine gives by its breathtaking effects. Every time the glass hit the nose and palate, it revealed new and intoxicating elements while still leaving behind a little mystery. Light hay and toasted grain, dehydrated pear and golden apples, wild sweet corn, caramel, toasted hazelnut, white mushrooms, toffee, cinnamon, soft earth and brine. The flavors went on and on. Just as impressive as the wine was in the nose and the palate, the finish was equally compelling and everlasting with hints of brine, fruit and mineral.
We also tried a bottle of 1964 Volnay expressed by Begin-Colnet for the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. This bottle was rustic and wild! Earthy, rich moss, dried raspberry, pomegranate, charred marzipan, dense spice, wild herbs and hints of rustic inorganic minerals. Last night was truly one of the most memorable with only the best on the table- what a great way for our members to kick off the holiday season at Graileys. Cheers!
Killer Lineup
2002 Salon
1964 Volnay Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin by Begin-Colnet
1967 Gaja Barbaresco
1993 Latour
2009 Kosta Browne RRV
1994 Chapoutier Cote Rotie La Mordoree
2002 Nicolas Potel Echezeaux
NV Egly Ouriet Extra Brut Vieillissment Prolonge
1990 Pichon Lalande
1999 Pavie
2006 Montrose
2007 Herb Lamb Cabernet
2005 Pichon Lalande
1996 Mondavi Cabernet
2012 Les Griffins de Baron
2011 Spottswoode
2009 Arnaud Ente Goutte d’Or