Westport, CT
Tasted Saturday, July 29, 2017 by retired_and_roving with 437 views
A terrific event hosted by a very generous fellow CT couple was a wonderful exploration of the power and worldwide expression of Syrah. We tasted through many examples from Northern Rhone, California, Washington and Australia. The tasting started with a selection of champagne and white wines to accompany the starters and fish courses and then moved into the syrah tasting to accompany the meat courses. We lucked out with some great weather after the early forecast of rain and were able to enjoy the entire tasting outdoors by the pool, from the early afternoon to the wee hours of the night while dining on some amazing food prepared by our hosts:
Cheese board selection from Murray's Cheese
Prosciutto
Caviar (Beluga and Osetra)
Baked Salmon encrusted in mustard and potato chips with corn salad
Grilled Octopus
Moroccan Lamb and couscous with yogurt dressing
16 hour smoked Pork Putt Sliders with homemade BBQ sauce
Brownies & Peach/Pecan Pie
In addition to the notes below - there are a number of wines that I didn't get around to trying in the line-up - unfortunately too much wine and food for me at that stage:
2006 Saxum Broken Stones
2005 Chris Ringland Shiraz
2011 Iniskillin Vidal Ice Wine Gold Oak Aged
A great day with amazing food, wine and company. Thanks to our hosts and to all the participants for bringing such memorable and enjoyable wines.
For a different perspective on the wines tasted please refer to mc2wines tasting story here: https://www.cellartracker.com/event.asp?iEvent=35846
All in all a really fun and enjoyable line up of great wines. The wines that stood out the most for me and caught my attention were:
-2005 Marc Sorrel Hermitage Le Gréal
-1970 Penfolds Grange
-1993 Penfolds Grange
-1996 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Pavillon
-2006 Cayuse Syrah Bionic Frog
Not sure I can choose a WOTN, but if pressed perhaps a tie for the '05 Sorrel and the '70 Grange.
Special mentions to the 3L bottle of the 1999 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Blanc De L'Orée and the 1988 Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Champagne Brut Rosé La Grande Dame.
1988 Veuve Clicquot Champagne Brut Rosé La Grande Dame
France, Champagne
The color on this is quite interesting - almost a light salmon/orangey pink. On the nose some oxidative notes. On the palate very different from any rose I have previously tasted, and this is by far the oldest I have ever tasted. More toasty complex oxidative notes are prevalent with the strawberry fruit more secondary. Very complex, interesting and enjoyable. Was very happy to have the opportunity to try this.
Read 1 Comment / Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
NV Ulysse Collin Champagne Rosé de Saignée Extra Brut Les Maillons
France, Champagne
Following on the heels of the '88 Veuve Grande Dame Rose - this was quite a switch up. Very fresh and bright, zippy acidity balanced with strawberry and lick of mineral tang at the back. Clean, fresh and fun.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2014 Y de Yquem
France, Bordeaux
My first time with this wine and what a delight this was to try. I am not usually a big fan of straight Sauv Blanc as I find it too fruit forward, but when blended with Semillon - a certain weight and almost creamy richness is added that is just a lovely combination. Stone fruits (white peaches and a bit of apricot) along with the grapefruit, and some layering on the palate - no sweetness. Would love to try this again.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2004 Vilmart & Cie Champagne Premier Cru Coeur de Cuvée
France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru
I really enjoy the Vilmart wines and this was no exception, they have that clear bright line of acidity both in the fine precise bubbles and the lemon zesty flavor. Paired very nicely with some Osetra caviar. I think though that this is still too youthful to be showing the additional complexity it is sure to add with cellar time. Hold for now.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
1999 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Blanc De L'Orée
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage
In a summer of discovering some new white wines, this is another one that has caught my fancy. Poured from 3L bottle. The color is golden yellow and clear as a bell - very pretty in the afternoon sun. This has some weight in the mouth feel, almost a waxy lanolin that makes it more of a wine to sip slowly and think about rather than gulp. It tastes of golden apple, nectarine with a bit of nuttiness on the back palate. Really good - would have liked to stay with this for a while but we had not even gotten to the reds yet..........
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue