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Leslie Fisher in Austin
34th Street Cafe
Tasted February 4, 2008 by steffenpelz with 595 views
Introduction
Leslie Fisher was in town for a conference, so a small number of us Austinites gathered to show her a good time. We convened at 34th Street Cafe (as we often do) to break some bread and share some wine.
Flight 1 (1 note)
White - Sparkling
2000 Launois Pere et Fils Champagne Grand Cru Brut Millésimé
Reliable as always. Typically young BdB with apple peel, a hint of citrus, yeasty brioche dough, and lots of minerality. For the retail of $36, this is as good s it gets for my taste,
Flight 2 (1 note)
White
2005 Domaine Huet Vouvray Sec Clos du Bourg
Apple, honey, straw, blossom aromas and flavors along with pronounced minerality. I most vividly and fondly remember the honey notes. Worth seeking out.
Flight 3 (3 notes)
Red
1993 Robert Ampeau & Fils Volnay 1er Cru Santenots
Another sensational bottle tonight. Great funk, citrus peel and earth on the nose, but also followed by deeply pitched, dark fruit. Extra finesse with lots of power all in one package. Long finish. Great bottle that makes you wish you had a case of it.
Red
1996 Cascina Bongiovanni Barolo Pernanno
This is the real deal. When I first opened it and poured a sip, it was rusty around the edges and didn't give much. With time, the color deepens and the aromas of tar, rose petal, licorice, and game come out. Some tobacco and earth show with plums, berry, and truffles on the palate. I connected with this emotionally. Highly recommended.
Red
2004 Larkin Cabernet Sauvignon
Not my style. Very heavy on oak and vanilla. Fruit is there, but definitely in the background. One positive thing is that the acidity is good on this wine, so it doesn't come across as over-extracted, but I think the oak will never integrate and was used too plentifully when considering the fruit and structure of this wine.
Closing
We also had a Shiraz/Cab from 1985 that was very nice, but for the life of me, I cannot remember the name of the wine, so I will have to add that tasting note later. Thanks for everyone who made this tasting and let's do it again soon.