A Bastille Day dinner and last hurrah at Abood's.

A fun Bastille Day celebration last night at Michel and Veronica's with Michel's mother and two of Veronica's friends. Not only was it an evening to celebrate all things French, but this was a last dinner in their apartment as they will be moving to a new one next week all the way across the street. Michel and Veronica did a wonderful job in the kitchen and, in typical fashion, Michel had all his guests carry art and furniture over to the new place after dinner.

• 1999 Louis Jadot Clos Vougeot

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Clos Vougeot Grand Cru

  Beautiful aromatically with luscious sweet cherries, spice and a touch of underbrush, but a far different showing on the palate where the wood was strangely out of place. High acid and most of the fruit that showed up on the nose was missing and bitter wood notes had taken its place. In fact, the fruit receded even more with air. B/B-.

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• 2004 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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

  The last vintage of Clos des Papes I purchased before pricing got out of hand and the style changed dramatically. Actually, you can see a bit of the change here as it seems riper than the Clos des Papes I used to love, but given the coolness of the vintage, it didn't get the chance to be too over the top. Classic CDP aromas and flavors of sweet black and red raspberries, meat, garrigue, licorice and iodine. Well balanced with nice acid levels for a Chateauneuf. Still has some tannin to shed, but it's drinking well now and, of course, was perfect with the Bastille Day leg of lamb.Solid A-.

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Some pics from the dinner. No group shots and I skipped the Champagne that was poured and missed a shot of the tasty block of foie gras that was served.

The wines.


Ratatouille.


Roasted potatoes.


Leg of lamb.