A Spontaneous & Inspired Sunday Afternoon

I agreed to help a friend with some errands, and what a fine choice that turned out to be, as we grabbed some bottles, picked up a third conspirator when done, and then maneuvered our way to a leisurely and indulgent late lunch at a local fave, Full of Life Flatbread. This was the perfect combination of delicious local cuisine and an ultra-casual, relaxing environment, one which suited our moods and our wines.

Highlights at the restaurant included the grilled corn "ribs" with toum and heirloom tomatoes, charred shishito peppers with bottarga and shaved bonito flakes and garlic, and of course the flatbreads, done gluten free. The standout for me was the Kalamata olive with feta, though the pasilla peppers with pepperoni was not far behind.

We then made our way back to my home to keep these good vibes going, in style.

• 2018 Domaine Bouard-Bonnefoy Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot Les Petit Clos 91 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru

  A new producer to me, and this was a good first impression overall. Clean and steely, with light floral notes, some almond paste and sweet citrus. The oak treatment was a bit heavy but not distracting. Expansive finish. Should benefit from a few more years in the bottle.

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• 2005 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo Cicala 94 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  Showed beautifully despite the "pop 'n pour" treatment. Powerful aromatics of bitter chocolate, black cherries and fennel. More of the same on the palate: licorice, dark fruit, some spice and truffle. Mid-weight, with excellent length. A seamless wine, with fine grained tannins that add textural interest. Should easily go another decade.

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• 2007 Pierre Morey Bâtard-Montrachet 94 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru

  The first of my six of these was badly premoxed, so I moved the rest into a food refrigerator (out of spite, I suppose?). Inspiration struck, and I grabbed one and pulled the solid cork while waiting for the next bottle to warm a bit. To my surprise and great pleasure, this one was in fine form, with a touch of reduction quickly giving way to loads of concentrated, ripe orchard fruit notes, complemented by some light lemon. This was a rich, unctuous wine. Plenty of acidity, too. This outperformed in every respect.

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• 2006 Coche-Dury Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrières 97 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Meursault 1er Cru

  An absolutely stellar showing. No reduction of note. The nose was intense and irresistible, with powerful fruit and floral notes intertwined, together with gravel and a bit of honeysuckle. Tremendous intensity on the palate, with the minerality coming to the fore, more so than the fruit. Amazing tension and power. The wine is still fairly early on in its development, but as it warmed I did detect just a hint of that sought-after buttered popcorn aspect that bodes well for those lucky enough to have some, and patient enough to wait.

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I know some might have preferred to golf or fish or something, but for me, this was about as idyllic a way to pass a lazy day as I could wish for, catching up with close friends and taking full advantage of a chance to be together, without agenda or time pressure.