Conrad Green's Abode
Tasted Sunday, December 19, 2010 by WetRock with 827 views
In what looks to be a yearly tradition we again visited the vintage ten years prior for our December dinner. Conrad again hosted us and cooked up an outstanding meal for the dozen of us including some cheese from England that fell off a truck. An outstanding evening where time flew right by.
Again the theme was vintage 2000. We also had some after dinner wines outside of that theme. We really had some outstanding labels on the table that probably need more age but they definitely showed impressive classy textures. Favs on the night for me would be the Raveneau Butteaux, '98 Mayacamas, Togni, Ch. Ferriere, Bonneau and the RWC Madeira. As mentioned, many of the wines showed well for their potential also.
As I discovered my Monbousquet was corked when decanting earlier in the day I wanted to bring something else. Having not much interesting at home I decided to bag the Mayacamas and stick it in with the whites. The Raveneaus were pretty tight, more so than I expected. The Butteaux was the most open for me and drinking very well. The Mayacamas is drinking nicely right now.
These all showed stronger than I might have expected considering the vintage but this is another lesson about winemaking trumping vintage. The Togni had that classic Cali style that I admire and I thought it to be in a great place.
The Ferriere was a great surprise for me. The Cheval Blanc seemed very regal if not very showy on the day. There was some confusion on the decanters between the Haut-Bergey and the Poyferre. Neither wine showed very well though. Both actually seemed a bit disjointed and modern in style. Or they might just be in awkward places.
An interesting mix. The Bonneau really stood out to me as the best drinking of the flight on the night. The Chave was another one that showed its class but was hidden from full expression.
Another mix here. The Fonseca seems like a pup to me drinking very young. The Tokaji was one of the best I have had. The Madeira was just a great experience. It is always special drinking something made so long ago, especially when it tastes great.
2000 Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Champagne Premier Cru Special Club
France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru
Clean and lean with sappy acids and a spiced citrus character. In the acidic driven mineral style and probably on the lower end of the dosage scale for brut. Would be great with seafood.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue