Dinner sans Manlin

Lampreia, Seattle
Tasted Friday, December 2, 2005 by Jason with 1,167 views

Introduction

Scott Manlin had planned a trip to Seattle to show us all how to "step up." Unfortunately, Scott had to "step down" from the trip. We decided to have the event without him. Thanks to Eric for making all the arrangements.

Flight 1 - Served with seared Foie Gras (1 Note)

  • 1990 Château Doisy-Daëne 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Barsac

    This paired perfectly with seared foie gras. The nose showed burnt caramel with a hint of plastic. The palate was balanced with good acidity. It didn't show great complexity but it was a pleasure to drink.

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Flight 2 - Served with Sea Bass (2 Notes)

  • 1976 Jos. Christoffel Jr. (Christoffel-Prüm) Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese ** 91 Points

    Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer

    This was a good body that is completely ready to drink. The nose showed diesel and the telltale spice notes of UW. I also gots lots of mint. The palate lacked some acid to balance the sweetness. Overall it was a good example of fully resolved Riesling. Drink up.

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  • 1983 Jos. Christoffel Jr. (Christoffel-Prüm) Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese ** 95 Points

    Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer

    I was fortunate to save a glass of this until the end of the evening. When we first opened, the nose was very reticent and the palate was fairly simple. It showed the basic apple juice notes but I expected more.

    After 2 hours it had become a stunning. wine. The nose was one of the best I have ever smelled. Now 12 hours later, I can smell the cinammon, smoke, and fruit cake elements. It was simply awesome. The palate was not up to the nose, but it was quite good. It still had the apple juice note, but now it showed more spice and minerality. What a wonderful wine.

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Flight 3 - Served with a Ravioli dish (3 Notes)

While I liked the dish, I am not sure this was a pairing I would try again. The running egg did not pair well these wines to my palate.

  • 1990 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 97 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    This was a terrific bottle that just blew me away. The nose was extremely expressive with leather, horse, and spiced cherries. The palate was ever better. It showed the stunning cherry notes that I love in aged Beau. It may not have the structure of the 89, but it is far more open and ready to go at this point.

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  • 1990 Domaine du Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée 91 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    Amazingly different from the Beau. This was far more primary and sweet in a candied way. I have had this wine several times, and I am always surprised at how tight it is. I have several bottles and will not open one for 5 years. This bottle was not decanted, but I am not sure that would have helped that much. 91 tonight but that can up a lot.

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  • 1990 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 93 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    This is another wine from this night that I am glad I gave it time. In retrospect I wish I had give it several hours in the decanter before the meal. I have had this wine once before and it has always been more mineral driven then some other CdPs. This bottle was no exception. With extra air (and swirling), I was able to get it to open a bit to show smoked meat and minerality on the nose. The palate was still tight, but it did offer lots of minerality and earthiness.

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Flight 4 - Served with Lamb (2 Notes)

This was my favorite dish of the evening. I generally stay away from artichokes when having fine wine, but it somehow worked tonight.

  • 1982 Château Léoville Las Cases 98 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    Everything I could ask for in an aged Bordeaux. This wine balanced elegance and power in an exceptional way. Descriptors are appropriate for this wine. I found myself focusing on it total greatnes far more than its parts.

    This is great to drink now, but I it might even be better in 20 years. Thank you, Eric.

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  • 1989 Château Lynch-Bages

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    This bottle was either off or extremely closed. I have had this wine before and have been less than amazed by it. Tonight this was nearly as good as it can be. It was not decanted. NR

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Flight 5 - Dessert (1 Note)

I had pineapple and raspberry ravioli, but I finished that long before trying the Port

  • 1985 Fonseca Porto Vintage 93 Points

    Portugal, Douro, Porto

    This is just massive. It is hard to believe that this is 20 years old. This should be truly amazing in 20 more years. The nose was about as primary as a wine can get (think Welch's). I did get a hint of spirit as well. The palate was equally huge but well balanced. I wish I had more time to savor this wine.

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Closing

Next time hopefully Scott can make it.

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