Celebrating a new name for Chain Bridge Cellars!

To celebrate the unveiling of their new name, the great folks at Chain Bridge Cellars (formerly Cecile's Wine Cellar) opened a spectacular array of 18 wines. I chose ten to sample. I still consider myself very much a novice, and this was an extraordinary opportunity for me to try some very nice wines, many of which are at price points that would prevent me from ever buying them without a chance like this to sample them first. I am extremely appreciative of Doug & Meg's generosity in hosting the event! I wasn't writing notes as I went, so these are from memory and therefore not very detailed.

• 2002 Pierre Paillard Champagne Grand Cru Brut Millésimé

  France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

  absolutely delightful. fresh and full around the mouth; very expressive and a beautiful way to start a tasting.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2008 Peter Michael Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley

  Incredibly rich for a chard that does NOT beat you over the head with butter/oak. I don't know how they achieve that richness without the overpowering oak flavors, but I love it. this is the kind of wine a glass of which is more than just a drink - - it is also truly an experience.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2006 Domaine de Montbourgeau L'Etoile

  France, Jura, L'Etoile

  my first Jura, so truly nothing to compare this to - but I found the oxidation to give the wine a nose more like a liqueur than a wine. on the palate, it started a bit biting but then unleashed amazing complexity of flavor. Every sip seemed different from the last.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 1993 Domaine Maillard Père & Fils Savigny-lès-Beaune 93 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Savigny-lès-Beaune

  so nuanced! earthy, gentle, and complex. fills the mouth with a range of flavor. a great transition to the reds in the tasting.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2001 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso 92 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

  beautiful & floral on the nose in a way that I did not expect from a Brunello, but to fine effect. The palate was more traditional to the style, featuring wood and leather notes. This was perhaps a touch sharp on my palate, but this was Mrs. Grayfont's WOTN against a very impressive lineup.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2004 Les Cailloux (Lucien et André Brunel) Châteauneuf-du-Pape 91 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  earthy with a little spice, just as you'd want your CdP to show.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2006 Château Pavie 95 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  woo-hoo! not nearly as tight as I was expecting, this wine was showing beautifully. the fruit winds around gravel, graphite, and a faint hint of smoke. Extremely well enjoyed, and my WOTN.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2005 Clarendon Hills Astralis

  Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Clarendon

  Those around me were raving about this but somehow it just didn't work for me. I found it very tight with a slight medicinal tone that the others didn't get at all. cleansed palate and tasted again to same results. Can't explain it, but no rating.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2006 Gemstone G 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Yountville

  a big huge wine with loads of fruit and a strong (but not off-putting) sense of alcohol. Not for the faint of heart!

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2001 Tokaj Hétszőlő Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos

  Hungary, Tokaji

  My first Tokaji, I found this fascinating - rich and smooth, with apple and honey flavors - with a nose that suggests a syrupy wine but a mouthfeel that is quite the opposite.

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue