Bernie's annual New Year dinner

Bernie, Sam and John put on their usual generous hospitality for a fine evening of wine and food. The Champagne this year was probably as close as we've got to perfection which was complimented as usual with a couple of older bottles from Bernie's fridge.

Drank through half the evening with a mixture of; sea urchin, tuna belly, foie gras, scallops, giant clam and lobster - I think.

• 1995 Krug Champagne Vintage Brut 96 Points

  France, Champagne

  Brioche and cream nose. Medium fine mousse, deep rich flavour. Good finish.

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• 1995 Krug Champagne Clos du Mesnil 99 Points

  France, Champagne

  I'm not going to be able to do this justice, it just kept coming and to me was beyond 'a bit of this, a bit of that' type analysis but here it goes... Yeasty nose then rich roast citrus. It explodes in the mouth and just keeps going on and on and on. Finish kept going, unbelievable.

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• NV Krug Champagne Brut Rosé 92 Points

  France, Champagne

  Pinot nose with hints of strawberries and raspberries. A bit short but was in 1st class company!

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Got to this with the Kobe rib eye steaks!

• 1996 Ridge Monte Bello 93 Points

  USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

  Some blueberry, chocolate and hints of cedar and tobacco - like a trace of Bordeaux. Almost balanced palate, just a hint of middle aged spread which a little more backbone might correct! Lovely finish.
  
  This was just as good on the seond night and actually seemed to be a little more structured. It almost got another point, but not quite.

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Left this for the cheese cake!

• 1960 Taylor (Fladgate) Porto Vintage 87 Points

  Portugal, Douro, Porto

  A deep brown red - almost mahogony. Smokey nose earlier in the decanter which went to leave a little nail varnish and candied prunes and walnuts. Fruit seems to have dropped without adding much, leaving the alcohol. Not really too balanced and quite harsh.

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Great evening and an absolute treat to try the Mesnil, only shame was it cast its shadow over the other Krugs! Looking forward to next year already.