French Laundry

Private event at the French Laundry. The food and wine were remarkable.

• 1976 Moët & Chandon Champagne Cuvée Dom Pérignon Oenothèque 93 Points

  France, Champagne

  Lovely mature orchard and nutty flavors. Nice toast. This went down easy.

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• 2011 Shibumi Knoll Chardonnay Buena Tierra Vineyard 93 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  Really nice surprise. Apple and other orchard fruit. Slight lemon. Creamy. A bit of oak. Fresh and lively. Great value.

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• 2000 Domaine Leflaive Bâtard-Montrachet 94 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru

  Another fine bottle. Great to compare with the 2000 Chevalier we had next to it. I might slightly prefer the Batard.

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• 2000 Domaine Leflaive Chevalier-Montrachet 94 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru

  Same as the bottle we had in March. This somehow seemed slightly more finessed.

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• 1994 Ridge Monte Bello 93 Points

  USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

  Blind I would have thought this was Bordeaux from the nose and color. Earth, dark fruits and some leather on the nose. The palate is more new world with ripe full black fruit. Not as layered as a mature Bordeaux. Long finish. Silky.

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• 1994 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

  Not going to rate this as I hope it was off. Over ripe dark fruit that was completely disjointed.

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• 1994 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Very pleasant and mature notes of dark fruit, smoke and dried flowers on the nose. Great balance, nicely integrated with a silky texture. Long finish.

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• 1994 Harlan Estate 96 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  From 3L. Incredibly perfumed and youthful nose of dark fruit, some coffee smoke and some spice. Hint of earth. The palate was smooth and round. Perfect integration. The slight secondary characteristics of earth and leather were the only hint of its age. No doubt the large format helped. Beautiful long finish.

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• 1994 Dominus Estate Napanook Vineyard 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Another great bottle. Very forward and sweet nose of black fruit, maybe caramel, earth, mushrooms and a hint of iron. The palate matches and I am surprised at how youthful and forward this is. Long, smooth finish. Big finish with nice grip.

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• 1978 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  From 3L. Soft and easy nose of dried dark fruit, wet band aids, mushrooms and a bit of smoke. Burgundian mouthfeel. Long, and subtly powerful finish.

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