Leo's Blind Tasting Club - April

Tribeca Grill
Tasted Monday, April 26, 2010 by Cheryl with 672 views

Introduction

I've never planned an entire wine dinner before, so I felt some pressure to select wines that our group would enjoy as well as have a good time analyzing. I think it went well, but am not upset that my next turn will be many months away! I selected Tribeca Grill and can't rave enough about the food or the service. On to the wines.

Flight 1 (1 Note)

Served while everyone arrived

  • 1996 Ruinart Champagne Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs

    France, Champagne

    This had loads of acid, too much for my preference. Minerals and lemon were present, but the overall package here was pretty boring. It still seems young, so perhaps it is going to evolve. Josh picked this wine blind! Vintage and producer! I was impressed.

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Flight 2 (2 Notes)

Inspired by the Judgement of Paris. The Cali was preferred by a wide margin. Served with poached Maine lobster.

  • 2007 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay Napa Valley

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    I loved this. Beautiful nose. With some air, I began to suspect it was the new world wine and picked up some faint tropical notes, but different than its usual Cali Chard peers. The oak was in check. Great acid, minerals and fruit. Loved it.

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  • 2007 Joseph Drouhin Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches Blanc

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru

    There was something faint on the nose, sulphur, perhaps, that made this unpleasant. It wasn't an off bottle, just an odd note. Long finish, but was outshone by the Montelena.

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Flight 3 (4 Notes)

I "discovered" the N. Rhone last year and have been picking up a few bottles here and there. This was my favorite flight and was served with grilled Long Island duck breast.

  • 1983 E. Guigal Hermitage

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage

    This was outstanding, it was hard to believe how old this is as it was bright, with significant fruit still present. The fruit was balanced with pepper and bacon. Traditional syrah and an outstanding wine.

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  • 1988 Patrick Jasmin Côte-Rôtie Flawed

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie

    We did not pour this.

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  • 1990 M. Chapoutier Hermitage La Sizeranne

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage

    No notes other than green beans on the nose. I think others enjoyed this more than me, which is a shame because I was really excited about it.

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  • 1998 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage

    In contrast to the 1990, I'm certain I enjoyed this more than most. It is still rather primary and would have seemed new world if I hadn't known otherwise. Ripe fruit, round on the palate. Darker fruits. Really nice.

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Flight 4 (2 Notes)

Aged Cali cab. Young Cali cab. I like it all. Served with herb crusted rack of Colorado lamb.

  • 1975 Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello

    USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

    We went back and forth over whether this was corked. Right out of the bottle, more of us thought so. After 10 minutes or so, the funk faded away and became thoroughly enjoyable aged cab with fruit, leather and spice. Really enjoyable.

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  • 1985 Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet

    USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

    Another terrific aged cab, drank every drop, but think that the 1975 had something that this didn't.

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Flight 5 (3 Notes)

I found this to be my least favorite flight, but it may have been the trickiest in terms of identifying them blind. Served with cheese and toasted raisin walnut bread.

Closing

This blind series was a great concept. Thanks, Leo!

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