Dinner with Heather and Eric - great excuse to open some fantastic wine....

Chez Walker - Princeton, NJ
Tasted Saturday, March 9, 2019 by walkerjfw with 116 views

Flight 1 (2 Notes)

  • 2017 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé 95 Points

    France, Provence, Bandol

    First wine of the evening, great to drink a rose like this as an aperitif...no need to wat for Summer...

    From prior notes: "Pale orange-pink color. Nose of perfumed strawberry and herbs. Palate showing berries, citrus, melon, floral/lavender. Silky texture, secondary notes of orange (peach?) through the mid palate"

    Learned from prior experience to give this some air time and serve only slightly chilled. This needs a little time to open. Great stuff, big hit with the crowd.

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  • 2013 Aubert Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    Drank after a 17 Tempier Rose, medium chill, had been open for about 30 minutes prior to drinking.

    From recent notes: "Medium yellow/gold color. Nose of lemon peel, spice/pepper, wet stones. Palate showing citrus, pineapple, creme brulee and mineral. Great energy and expression with this wine, opened nicely after 10 minutes or so and continued to evolve in the glass. Rich texture, long finish..."

    Had not planned on opening next bottles this soon, but dinner with great friends this was calling us. Really shined on this evening. The saline/oyster shell notes here are really unique for a Calif Chardonnay...just great stuff...

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Flight 2 (1 Note)

  • 2014 Big Table Farm Pinot Noir Earth 95 Points

    USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

    First bottle from a batch bought at release, in my cellar since. Have had a few opportunities to taste since. Paired with first course - my mushroom risotto with white truffle oil...Decanted for about 90 minutes prior to drinking. Learned from prior bottles that this puts on weight and expression with more air time...

    Prior notes: "Medium/dark ruby color. Fragrant nose of red fruit, figs, orange blossom, burnt sugar. Palate was fruit forward, cherry, plums, currant, baking spice and (of course) earth notes..."

    Fruit really bright and expressive with this bottle - adding to prior notes this also showed classic Oregon raspberry, cherry cola, floral/rose notes on the front...Nicely combined with earth and savory through the finish. Medium weight, long finish.

    I am a big fan of BTF, this one is their premium offering. All the wines are good, this one likely has the most depth and complexity (although I have not done a side/side). A great wine from a great Oregon vintage - this is in a great spot. Will go a while if wanting to cellar...decant makes a difference

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Flight 3 (2 Notes)

  • 1985 Château Cos d'Estournel 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

    Recent tasting of this have been superb, a good choice for a dinner with special friends. Decanted for about 45 minutes prior to drinking...

    Notes from a year ago:"Color was a faded purple/garnet, bricking at the edge. Nose of dusted dark berries, minerals and floral notes.. Elegant, mature palate showing black cherry, cassis, mineral, cigar, forest floor and violet. Smooth texture, medium bodied and long (for this age) finish."

    Nose of this bottle more layered than last bottle - Minerals, stone and graphite shining through a bit more, early on it was great to just take in the nose...medium bodied palate showing black cherry, cigar, box, savory/meats, and floral/violet.

    In a really good spot right now. likely past its "Peak" but just a classic Bdx, nicely expressive drinking well.

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  • 2009 Kristine Ashe Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Premiere Napa Valley Lot 107 One Acre See Clone

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

    Last wine of the evening, drank after the 85 Cos, fun to contrast an old school Bdx with a rich Napa wine. Decanted for about an hour prior to drinking.

    Consistent with last notes: "Dense purple color. Nose is dark red berries, floral notes, oak, cedar. Plate was dark cherry, oak, cinnamon, mocha...incredible depth, a lot going on here. Oak present but nicely integrated, tannins softened. Full bodied, finish is 40+ seconds..."

    Berries and cassis more pronounced with this bottle. At 10 years old this is really in a great spot. One bottle left, will see if I can leave it a lone for a few years. Great way to end the evening...

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