Leslie Comes to NYC and We Visit PDH

This was a wonderful evening. Such a blast to see Leslie in person and catch up with her. As we went "themeless", I also saw some NYC'ers I haven't seen in a while either. Ben, a French wine aficionado, joked that we probably won't see each other until next year when Leslie comes back to time. This was a great time. As usual for me, with a lot of wine, my notes fall off pretty quickly. Here's a quick snapshot of what I had.

• 1989 Bert Simon Serriger Würtzberg Riesling Auslese

  Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer

  This was nice. I don't love most of the older German rieslings that I've had, but this was nice, not too sweet and a lot, but not too much petrol.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2006 Pax Nepenthe Alder Springs Vineyard

  USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County

  This was not for me. Gorgeous nose, but bad on the palate. I'm always surprised such a disconnect between the nose and mouth.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 1998 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  This was poured from a magnum. I enjoyed it. I don't have much old zin experience so I pleased to find this still having some fruit and very nice. It wasn't as big as newer zins.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2004 Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot

  USA, California, North Coast, Napa / Sonoma

  Another mag. Thanks for bringing this, Cindy. I enjoyed this. I haven't had merlot in some time and really liked how bright and fresh it was. I recently purchased a 2001 Pride Merlot and can olny hope it is as tasty.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 1986 Château Simard

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Saint-Émilion

  D.O.A. Lenny served this blind and said it was one of Victor's favorite wines. We all know that Victor's food choices are all askew after serving rat and cat all day, but I think he had a decent palate for wine. ;) This was bad news.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2003 Lucia Cabernet Sauvignon

  USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands

  Leslie brought this and we served it "pop and pour". This was my wine of the night. This was "light on its feet". Kind of surprised it's a cali cab. Really tasty juice.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2005 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Southing

  USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills

  This was my last 05 Southing. While I decanted it for four hours, I must say how much I loved it right out of the bottle. The decant didn't hurt it at all, but it wasn't necessary. Wish I had more.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2006 Road 31 Wine Co. Pinot Noir

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  I was so pleased with this wine. I read a good review (I don't recall where) and bought some not having tasted it before. The release price was approx $38 and worth every penny. Right out of the bottle, there was some cola and tart strawberry. I decanted it for four hours (probably wasn't necessary) and it was lovely at dinner. This is a light California pinot, not big and heavy, althought I like that style too. This was good with and without food. I really liked it. Note: This winery had a name change. It was formerly called Green Truck and that's the way it comes up in Wine Searcher.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• NV Pierre Moncuit Champagne Cuvée Hugues de Coulmet Blanc de Blancs Brut

  France, Champagne

  I didn't love this, but to be fair, I had it later in the evening after a number of reds and a lot of spicy foods.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2001 Henry's Drive Shiraz Reserve

  Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Padthaway

  Lenny brought this especially for me. Very kind, Mr. Fox! I liked it. I thought this was not as full-bodied as many Aussie shirazes, but lots of fruit present, of course. Nice.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2005 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Hungry Like The Llama

  USA, California

  No good notes on this. :(

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2003 Mitolo Shiraz G.A.M.

  Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

  Now THIS is an Aussie Shiraz! Big, bold and sweet. Some alcohol in the glass at first whiff, but that blew off quickly. Thanks, Jay!

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

I'll post a quick note in the BYOB thread, but Peking Duck House cannot be beat. We ate like kings, had a private room and stayed for 3 1/2 hours for $60 all in. I'll be back.