A vertical plus other goodies
Espergaerde
Tasted Saturday, May 1, 2010 by KristianT with 975 views
Introduction
I had six vintages of d'Arenberg's The Ironstone Pressings from 1994-1999 and wanted to do a vertical of these for the evening. But a good wine evening should also start with Champagne (this time even accompanied by caviar). My fellow wine nerds were told to bring a bottle - and preferably within the range of Rhône grapes.
The Champagne and the Ironstone vertical was announced and the other bottles were served blind.
Flight 1 - Appetizer and Champagne (3 Notes)
The Scholium Rosé was given to us by Abe Schroener of Scholium. So we decided to try it out. Next wine was quite a gamble. A 51 year old Piper-Heidsieck Champagne. I was worth a shot, since the vintage was legendary and the bottle appeared to be in good condition. Unfortunately it was heavily oxidized so I had to bring out the Deutz as back up to go with the caviar.
Flight 2 - Vertical of d'Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings (6 Notes)
The vertical of Ironstone was very interesting with clear differences in the vintages with the older ones being the better ones. I doubt that the others will reach the same level as the 94 and 95, but time will tell.
Flight 3 - "Bring a bottle" (7 Notes)
All these were served blind with only the "contributor" knowing what it was (hence the odd order).
Closing
A very good wine night in good company. The vertical of Ironstone Pressings turned out really good (besides the corked '97) - especially the 94 and 95 showed wonderful elegance and maturity (very impressive for a wine in this fairly modest price range).
My favourites for the night was 1991 Henschke Shiraz Mt. Edelstone with 1996 Ridge Monte Bello very close behind it.
The much acclaimed 2007 Clos Saint Jean Deus-Ex Machina was very interesting to try, but I cannot understand what have made Parker go ballistic.
2008 Scholium Project Rosé Phillips Farm
USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi
Clearly an experiment (which was also why this wine was never sold, but only given away to loyal customers).
The strings of crystal looks very interesting, but also a little out of place (like a worm in a Tequila).
Pale salmon colour - rather powerful on the nose.
I do not quite know what to make of it. Interesting, but good? I cannot quite make up my mind.
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1959 Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut Millésimé Flawed
France, Champagne
Unfortunately very oxidized. Dark golden orange colour and no mousse. After a few minutes in the glass some of the oxidized flavours lifted a little showing slight hints of something interesting. This must have been truly a great wine in its days - but unfortunately this bottle was no longer alive.
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1999 Deutz Champagne Brut Millésimé 92 Points
France, Champagne
Very pure Champagne. Very light in colour. The mousse was very fresh and vivid. Soft and elegant.
A refreshing Champagne in the lighter yet elegant style
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