Dinner with Daun and Jeff

Tasted Saturday, August 8, 2009 by ken-yyz with 390 views

Introduction

We had friends over for a simple BBQ (roast chicken and 4 hour, low-and-slow baby back ribs). Things started off badly with a totally shot '96 vintage champagne (pre-ox'd) and very advanced Kongsgaard 'The Judge'. Alban to the rescue!

Flight 1 (2 Notes)

  • 1996 Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne Grand Cru Cramant Flawed

    France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

    Completely and totally oxidized. Almost not drinkable. Dark golden colour. Cork was perfect, tons of bubbles. The wine simply was DOA and was a great disappointment.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

  • 2002 Kongsgaard Chardonnay The Judge 89 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Deep gold in colour and is now showing strong hints that it is well beyond its prime. What's here is incredible - dense, chewy and a remarkable collection of tropical fruits.

    One of my favourite chards several years ago. If you have any left, it's time to drink up.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

Flight 2 (1 Note)

  • 2001 Alban Vineyards Syrah Seymour's Vineyard 95 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley

    Phenomenal. When I first opened the wine, I was nervous about a slightly stewed nose but after a 2 hour decant, the wine was singing. Intensely dark, this is one of the richest Syrah's I've had in a while. Rich in flavour and not overbearing at all. Lots of blue fruits, earth, blood & iron wrapped in a velvet package. The finish was exceptionally long and paired perfectly with a chicken and rib BBQ.

    I'm glad I have one more bottle and am in no rush to open it. Maybe again in 4 or 5 years to see if it can develop more secondary personality traits.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

Flight 3 (1 Note)

  • 1998 Axe Hill Cape Vintage Port 91 Points

    South Africa, Klein Karoo, Calitzdorp

    We had pretty high expectations given the raves this port has received from the Platter Guide (5 star I believe). The nose was very subdued (at least initially) but opened up over an hour or so. Lush chocolate intermixed with blackberry liqueur was the tale of the bottle though and a wonderful way to finish the evening.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

×
×