Dinner with Friends

A small glass before dinner commenced, served with an amuse of a caviar-topped oyster on the half shell. Unfortunately, I do not recall the name of the specific variety of oyster, other than it was from New Brunswick and very good.

• NV Delamotte Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 92 Points

  France, Champagne

  Brief note from memory, courtesy of M&A as we were seated. Light golden color and a bit more toasty and rich than I expected. Baked apple, lemon, and toasted almond elements with a subtle yeasty undertone. Fine bead. Excellent.

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With the fire-roasted seafood tower, loaded with prawns, oysters, crab legs and clams. I loved this and could have ordered another and been content for the rest of the evening. The Chassagne paired very well here.

• 2017 Olivier Leflaive Chassagne-Montrachet 92 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet

  Lovely deep straw yellow color with aromas of mineral, wet wool and apple/orchard fruit. Terrific presence on the palate with plenty of weight to match the delicacies presented on the grilled seafood tower. Plenty of fruit on the palate with a nice mineral tinge with balancing acidity. Excellent for its level.

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• 2014 Domaine Michel Gay et Fils Aloxe-Corton Vieilles Vignes 90 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Aloxe-Corton

  Cherry and white currant elements with subtle spice notes underneath. Medium-bodied and balanced, with flavors of cherry and mineral. Very nice.

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• 2018 Arista Winery Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 89 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  Deep color. Very typical RRV pinot with cherry cola, nutmeg and black cherry notes. Abundant fruit on the palate with a lingering finish. Baking spice and perhaps even a hint of pepper in there as well. Very nice.

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Dry-aged strip, roasted branzino & ricotta agnolotti.

• 2011 Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder

  Aromas of black currant, bell pepper, herb, green tobacco and black fruit. Full-bodied with fine tannins and abundant black fruit on the palate. Lingering finish. Still young, but drinking nicely if you don't mind the youthfulness. I might hold this a few years yet- 2025+.

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• 2016 Royal Tokaji Wine Co. Mavens & Aficionados Barrel 75 Aszú 5 Puttonyos 93 Points

  Hungary

  Light golden color. Aroams of stone fruit dominate the bouquet and palate. Notes of orange rind, spice and dried honey as well. Good weight and mouthfeel, with plenty of acidity to balance it out and prevent it from coming off as too sweet or cloying. Lingering finish. Lovely.

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