Dinner with friends

A few in our group have been talking off and on for perhaps two years about going here for dinner. Sue finally grabbed the bull by the horns and made reservations. We began the evening at Sue's for some pre-dinner bubbly. As soon as we walked in Rebecca Courtright took our wine bags and had everything set up for us while we took a tour of the cellar. The kitchen did a fantastic job and two if the dishes I had this night will, I am certain, be in the running for salad and dessert of the year.

• NV Krug Champagne Brut Grande Cuvée 94 Points

  France, Champagne

  We started at Sue's for a glass of bubbly before we left for the restaurant, and she pulled out this bottle (old label!) from her cellar. I wasn't taking formal notes so did not write down the lot#. Light golden color with a persistent mousse. Aromas of honeyed almond, cashew butter, baked apple and sauteed pears. Fine bead with baked apple, caramel, brown butter and roasted almond flavors. Has some nice underlying acid, though softened, keeps the wine alive across the palate. Long finish.

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• 2004 Domaine / Maison Vincent Girardin Corton-Charlemagne 93 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru

  Form our cellar, opened with the first two courses. Pale yellow color featuring notes of lemon oil, minerals, stone, wool and a bit of oaky butterscotch, though here it is well-integrated and adds depth rather than distract. Rich, balanced wine across the palate with flavors of apple, lemon and mineral with a long finish. Hints of oak on the palate as well, but again, it is beautifully integrated. Drink now-2016. 93-94 pts.

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• 1996 Joseph Phelps Insignia 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  From Sue's cellar. Decanted briefly before being served with dinner. Deep inky crimson just barely lighter at the meniscus. Aromas of saddle leather, mint, licorice, blackberry and roasted herbs. Medium-bodied and very well-balanced with nicely integrated tannins. Currant, dried cherry, chocolate, black fruit, herb and mint flavors with a long, balanced finish. Wonderful depth and complexity with a wonderful texture. In a great place right now but should hold for quite a while. Drink 2013-2018+.

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• 2003 Peter Michael Les Pavots 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley

  Decanted shortly after we were seated for dinner. Aromas of lavender, vilets, cassis and black fruit. Full-bodied, with loads of black fruit, vanilla, florals and mineral on the palate. Tannins are firm, but very fine. Long finish. 92-93 pts.

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• 1997 Niebaum-Coppola Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford

  Another of Sue's bottles, decanted off its sediment and served immediately. Crimson color, just a little light at the meniscus. Initially rather tight but opened nicely in the glass. Cedar, lavender and red fruit aromas; perfumed and elegant. Medium-bodied, with nice red fruit, cedar, rose water and plum flavors. Lengthy finish. 92-93 pts.

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What a terrific night- we are looking forward to getting back to Courtright's very soon.