The first night, admirably hosted by part of the DC contigent, focused on Morey St. Denis. We started with "Clos Sorbés" which is located in the heart of Morey St. Denis, near the village proper. This tasting revealed a very classic MSD profile, albeit of the quality befitting the siting of this parcel. Most fascinating was the continuity of these wines. There was an obvious linear connnection between all these wines where each wine slowly unfolded characteristics that would be fully formed with age. Most fascinating was the unravelling from meat and blood to more pure iron mineral as we chained back 01-98-96-93. Likewise, 02, 99, 90 showed the body and power of those fruit-driven vintages. Of note - most of these wines were the "Vielles Vignes" cuvée imported to the US by Peter Weygandt. The only exception was the 2001, as marked in the tasting note, which was purchased directly at the Domaine.

These wines were all drank in groups of three, descending in vintage.

A little palate-refreshing break before moving on to the Grand Cru.

Jackky Truchot has two parcels in Clos de la Roche, one in the Clos de la Roche proper and another in the "Fremiers" climat. Both parcels have wines of significant age, though again only the US-imported cuvée from Peter Weygandt is marked "Vielles Vignes." In this case, the 2000 was the exception, purchased at the Domaine. The power and Grand Cru class was clearly on display here, often pushing out of the expected vintage bounds. Clos de la Roche is probably one of the best display of Jacky's uniqueness as his light hand clearly demonstrates the native power of this cru. The trifecta of 91, 89, 88 were sheer bliss.

These wines were all drank in groups of three, descending in vintage, except for the last four which were done in pairs.

A little dessert wine and then back to the hotel. Needed a little snack and a bottle of Pepe attracted some interest to us from the other bar denizens.

Our second day was held at the Tabard Inn in downtown DC. A little opener while waiting for our dining room

This day was to be devoted to Gevrey-Chambertin. Jacky considers "Aux Combottes" to be of Grand Cru quality and makes only one barrel. "Aux Combottes" is located at the very edge of Gevrey-Chambertin and abuts Clos de la Roche. There are clear similarities, but the delineation between the two is readily appararent. Again, the relationship between 01, 96, 93, 88 was obvious.

The 03 and 02 were sampled together and the remainder were tasted in groups of three, in descending vintage order.

A little palate cleanser.

Charmes-Chambertin is the Grand Cru of Gevrey closest to MSD and is often considered to be of less than Grand Cru status. It is divided into two section, Mazoyères and Charmes. According to those of us who have visisted the estate, Jacky's plot is in Charmes proper, but according to Kramer's "Making Sense of Burgundy," it is in Mayozères. I have to say that the volatility of Charmes Grand Cru-ness was apparent here. The step-up from the 1er was not always obvious and while the wines were nearly uniformly fantastic, only a couple really showed the Grand Cru exceptionality. Also Jacky began a new oak regime on the Charmes in 1996 and this was very evident in the wines. Dinner courses were also inserted here.

These wines were drank in groups of three, in descending vintage order, with the 90 and 88 making a final pair. Follow-up notes were made on a few wines somewhat later as John and I were relaxing.

Dessert and relaxing with a taste of a new project of Didier Dagueneau. Chateauneuf was sampled for fun while relaxing after the tasting.