Dinner with Herwig Janssen

Blue Duck Tavern
Tasted Sunday, December 5, 2010 by madeiradog with 1,686 views

Introduction

A few of the DC Winos got together to share some with an out-of-town visitor. I put together a few notes, but was not heavily concentrating on note taking during the dinner. A fun evening with some great potential that some exceeded while others did not. A note about the Auberts - I love these wines for what they are but the '07s to me are particularly hot right now, more so than any other vintage I have tasted at the same stage in its development.

Flight 1 - Champage Starters (2 Notes)

Not the best showing for Krug tonight but other times I have tasted this wine it has performed much better.

Flight 2 - Whites (4 Notes)

A "taste" of the Californian "Batard" for Herwig dominates this flight, but the Chablis was the clear winner. Served with Foie "Turron", Roasted Bone Marrow, Sturgeon Rillette and Savory Custard of Moschata Squash.

Flight 3 - Rhone and Rhone Rangers (4 Notes)

These were actually served as two mini-flights as the two Rayas went out first and were consumed before moving to the Saxum. Served with a Cassoulet of Monkfish and Salt Cod Fritters.

  • 1985 Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 96 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    Unbelievable complex nose offering fruit and earth. Super rich and delicious, great balance – such a complete wine with a great finish.

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  • 1995 Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 96 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

    Like the 85’s younger brother, very complex but fruitier nose with aromas of pine needles. Mouth coating richness with black fruits dominating, big finish as well.

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  • 2006 Saxum James Berry Vineyard 85 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

    Huge, huge nose. Very alcoholic with deep, big fruits but also very hot and out of balance at the moment.

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  • 2005 Saxum James Berry Vineyard 91 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

    Drinking much better than the 06, still very big and alcoholic but the wine is in better balance, the fruit a little softer and some acidity providing a little better structure.

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Flight 4 - Burgundy (4 Notes)

All very different wines perhaps reflective of the very different terroirs they represent. Served with Muscovy Dusck Breast.

Flight 5 - Bordeaux (4 Notes)

Served with 42-Day Aged Strip Loin of Beef and Ravioli of Lobster

  • 1989 Château Lynch-Bages 89 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Initially tobacco and cedar with the dark fruit mixed in with some fall leaves but cedar becomes dominate over time

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  • 1990 Château L'Evangile 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    super rich fruit up front, almost sexy but lacks the finish that one would expect.

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  • 1990 Château Angélus 96 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

    Just like the L'Evangile before it, the Angelus shows super rich fruit but with added complexity and great length. Finishes as strong as it starts.

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  • 1982 Château Mouton Rothschild 95 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Very well balanced with hints of cocoa and tobacco but has a mintiness that dominates the finish. Complete wine but maybe seems a bit muted.

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Flight 6 - Stickies (4 Notes)

Perhaps the most consistent flight, all were delicious and all very different.

Closing

All in all a fun event with a refreshing mix of wines.

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