Le Cafe Descartes at the French Embassy
Tasted Friday, January 18, 2019 by dcwino with 869 views
Panos organized another exceptional classified growth vertical dinner. This time it was fifteen vintages of Chateau Leoville Poyferre with Sara Cuvelier, the proprietor. The property produces very polished, modern and concentrated style of Saint Julien that still retain good freshness and balance. The clean and concentrated palate reminds me a bit of Leoville las Cases. However, it matures a bit earlier and generally is a bit more modern, i.e. more noticeable new oak. The producer signature was consistently evident in all the wines served.
The dinner was held at Le Café Descartes at the French Embassy. The chef prepared an excellent five course meal. Like the previous occasion, the wine service was very good.
For my palate, all the wines showed consistently well. As expected, the 10 and 15 were youthful but exceptional. The 00 and 05 were surprisingly classic, not too big, approachable and precise. The pleasant surprises were 04, 11 and 14, all showing excellent concentration, balance, texture, purity and freshness.
Everyone generously brought nice Champagnes but I skipped through most of them.
The 10 was exceptional as expected. The 14 was a pleasant surprise.
The 11 like the 14 showed so well.
I really liked the 04.
As expected, the 90 was ready and drinking beautifully. The 09 was a bit coiled and the 15 was very primary.
My heartfelt gratitude once again goes to Panos!
2008 L. Aubry Fils Champagne Premier Cru Aubry de Humbert 94 Points
France, Champagne, Champagne Premier Cru
Expressive energetic nose displaying generous fresh yellow fruit with a hint of white, lemon curd, pear, granny smith, honey, strong floral note and limestone mineral. Very precise and harmonious palate, nicely layered sweet yet fresh citrus fruit, pure and energetic, medium fine medium generous mousse, bright acidity, strong mineral and a long sweet citrus fruit driven finish. The fruit is generous and sweet yet the finish is really dry. I love the energy and purity as well as the incredibly dry finish.
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2002 Dom Pérignon Champagne 97 Points
France, Champagne
The 02 Dom is on fire for the past year or two. Perfectly mature yet youthful and energetic nose displaying decadent white and yellow fruit, lemon curd, candied lemon peel, fresh filtered apple juice, honey, smoke, brioche and limestone. Excellent concentration, beautifully layered decadent yellow citrus fruit, sweet and decadent without compromising purity and freshness, generous fine mousse, bright acidity, strong mineral presence and a long decadent yet pure and energetic yellow citrus fruit driven finish with brioche and honey at the end. I am really loving how the 02 Dom is drinking. If kept properly, this can easily improve for another two decades, becoming sweeter and gaining tertiary notes.
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