Friday Night Wines with Friends

Tasted Friday, April 10, 2009 by steffenpelz with 424 views

Flight 1 - Starter Champagne and White (2 Notes)

  • 1999 Launois Pere et Fils Champagne Grand Cru Brut Millésimé

    France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

    This isn't bad. Nice bead, toasty, yeasty apple and pear flavors. Nice length and good balance. What I'm missing in this Champagne is a little more acid. I am beginning to think that I like Launois better younger. Thees seem to get slightly creamy with age, and I prefer the lemon zest/citrus notes they show in their youth. Either way, this was a good way to start.

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  • 2001 Petaluma Chardonnay

    Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Piccadilly Valley

    Went well with the fish we ate. Surprisingly fresh and lively, with good Chardonnay berry fruit and a light, airy texture. Not oaky, not blowsy, overly alcoholic, or hot. Just drinks really well. I see no need to age this further if you have a bunch, but it also doesn't seem like it's going to go over the hill anytime soon.

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Flight 2 - Reds (2 Notes)

  • 2006 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove

    Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri

    To me, this is a knock out red wine. I like Tuscan wines, but even with my lofty expectations, this over-delivered. Delicious red and black fruit, blackberry, black currant, leather, a bit of tobacco, and this very subtle saline, mineral note along with a little earth. Just amazing length, focused fruit, great freshness and balance and a structure that should support many years of ageing. It doesn't get much better for me in a young wine that's affordably priced. Definitely deserving of the praise Antonio Galloni heaped on this.

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  • 2000 Del Dotto The David Napa Valley

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Very enjoyable bottle. At age 9, it's beginning to show some secondary aromas and flavors, and it threw a bunch of sediment. Classically California Cab to me, maybe even a little bit "retro" in style. Cherry and semi sweet chocolate, dusty fine tannins. Good freshness and balance. Just a joy to drink, although it wasn't as intellectually stimulating as the Serre Nuove we drank right before this.

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