NC Cindy Tasting

With two houses undergoing renovations, we decided to meet at Six Grapes wine bar for a change of pace. Unfortunately, I was quite delayed for our 7:00 start time, so I missed the opening Riesling. I was told I didn't miss a lot, and was given the last glass of the Faiveley to start things off. Quite a start.

• 2006 Faiveley Meursault 1er Cru Charmes 96 Points

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

  Very pale in the glass, but the lighting was weak, so the shading was not clear. The nose on this wine was amazing. It leaped from the glass with notes of fresh fennel, lemon, and tropical fruits, especially passion fruit, mango, and even banana. There were also hints of light herbs (parsley, oregano) and a nice note of crème fraiche. Absolutely pure and focused, this was the best nose I've experienced on a white wine to date. The palate was only a little less impressive with good minerality, nice light tropical fruits, and a touch of cream. There was solid acid to give it lift and focus, but this also came across as rounded and palate filling. The finish was deliciously long and extremely well-balanced. This would absolutely be worth the CT average price of $63, although I was told this bottle was purchased for $40. Not many bottles would count as a steal at that price, but this one does. A "wow" wine.

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• 2001 Podere Rocche dei Manzoni Barolo Vigna Cappella di Santo Stefano 93 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  Good translucent Nebbiolo red, the nose was filled with big raspberry, some deep, dark floral tones, and notes of freshly milled redwood. After some time in the glass, a subtle overtone of fresh coconut straight from the shell developed. The palate had enormous tannins and this was really mouth-parching, but still good. After the tannins backed down, good red fruits came to the fore along with a fair amount of dark spice box. This was mouth-coating, but still with good acidity, and a respectably long finish. Outstanding right now, this huge wine should be able to go another decade. A lot to handle on its own, it was spectacular with food, with acid to cut through on the palate, and enough flavor to stand up to anything. I've not had the 2000, and I'm told that vintage is even better, but this is awfully good and really quite amazing for the $43 delivered price.

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• 2006 Quinta do Crasto Touriga Nacional Douro 88 Points

  Portugal, Douro

  Very dark purple and nearly opaque in the glass, there may be a tiny bit of thinning at the rim. Bill described the nose as "funky blueberry pie", and I have to agree. There is also extract of blackberry with whipped cream, and plenty of cinnamon and clove. The palate is huge and quite extracted, with loads of black- and blueberry. Massive, chewy, and with solid acidity, for obvious reasons, it strongly reminds one of Port. Considering we're six years post-vintage, I think this still drinks very young and may need considerably more time to truly shine. Right now, it's a solid wine, but not spectacular.
  
  Edit: I didn't realize we'd had this before. Apparently, I didn't like it now quite as much as I did last time. I'm not sure if the wine is truly different, or if it is my frame of reference that has changed. It is what it is. I certainly don't see Roy Hersh's 94, nor the $50+ CT average price point.

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• 2009 Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Kabinett 88 Points

  Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer

  Light in color, but again, the ambient light keeps the precise shade a secret. The nose shows grilled pineapple, some bright Italian parsley, and a little bit of perfumed soap. It smells quite sweet, and the sweetness is also quite prominent on the palate. Fortunately, there is just enough balancing acidity. There is also a trace of mineral and good apple and pear flavors, but overall while this is delicious, it is somewhat simple. For $20 all-in at the LWS, it is OK, but perhaps a hair disappointing.

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We looked for a dessert offering to finish the event, but the selection was thin. Chris ordered an Allagash Interlude craft beer, instead, but beer is not my thing, so I won't post a tasting note for that.

Thanks to Chris, John, John, and Bill, and extra special thanks to the inimitable Ashley, who's exploits will no doubt become the stuff of NC Cindy legend.