Conrad's Abode
Tasted Sunday, May 24, 2009 by WetRock with 702 views
Conrad again hosted the East side Wine Group at his home for a night of good wine and great company. He also cooked up a spectacular meal for us just because he likes to. Thanks a million for being such a gracious host Conrad!
If I had known nearly all of the North Rhone wines would be far from young in years I would have sourced something older. What a great lineup we ended up with. Even though my favorite on the evening was probably a Hermitage it seems clear to me that I still prefer Cote-Rotie. I liked the rocky complexity in those wines more than the generous fruit offered by the Hermitages. I'd give the 95 Jaboulet my WOTN followed closely by the 04 Jamet and the 91 Rostaing.
2004 Copain Roussanne James Berry Vineyard
USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
Some banana on the nose. This displayed nice balance with a touch of minerals and a nice lean mouth feel. Maybe a touch of heat mars it a tiny bit but different from most whites from California.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2003 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Blanc Le Méal
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage
I've never had a wine quite like this before. Initially very tight with the nose only really giving a candle wax note over a rich waxy palate. It was from a magnum so we revisited over the course of the evening easily seeing the expression of the wine open from it's dense fruit. The palate became big and full yet very even with some nice creaminess and showing some nice toasty caramel notes. It was labeled a "dessert" wine but there was no residual sugar to me nor really any sense of sweetness. I'm not a big Rhone white fan but this was terrific and should age for a long time.
Read 2 Comments / Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
1967 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage Blanc Chevalier de Sterimberg
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage
From a 375. Excellent nose of toasty honey with little signs of oxidation. Palate was nice and even showing good acidity but the fruit didn't really back it up. Still, it gave a lot more than I expected.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
NV Jacques Selosse Initial
France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru
Definitely towards the leaner mineral styled Champagnes this displayed typical BdB characteristics especially after some air. Complex nose showing some buttered bread and an oxidative note later on. Clean elegant palate with lots of acidity and some minerals that really picked up some complexity with air. Now I see what all the talk is about.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue