Dinner with Friends

R&R invited a few couples over for a lovely evening of food, wine and camaraderie. Attending were Domino and me, J&J and R&D. J&K were unfortunately not able to attend due to the flu.

• NV Ruinart Champagne Brut Rosé 90 Points

  France, Champagne

  Deep copper orange color with a short mousse and bead. Cherry, red berry and toasted biscuit aromas. Flavors of mineral, chalk, biscuit, watermelon and red berry fruit. (R&R)

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• 2022 Nid Tissé Chardonnay Bacigalupi Vineyard 93 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  Popped and poured to taste as we weren’t quite ready to move to the dining room. Light color. Aromas of dried pineapple, pear, honeysuckle and citrus. Full-bodied and bright, with flavors of citrus, pear and dried honey. This has a nice vein of acidity supporting the fruit. A wonderful style of chardonnay that’s right in my wheelhouse.

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• 2008 Peter Michael Chardonnay Cuvée Indigene 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley

  From magnum. Light mature golden yellow color, appropriate for this format I think. Notes of pear and melon with lemon curd and nutmeg undertones. Rich texture, the oak is fully-integrated, with flavors of pear, melon, apple, quince and pineapple. Long finish.

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• 2016 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 93 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Magnum. Notes of red berries, red plum, anise, dried herbs and pepper. Full-bodied with flavors of red plum, currants, white pepper and spices. Medium tannins with good underlying acidity. The ‘16s are very easy to enjoy, with their lovely red fruit and balancing acidity. Drinking beautifully, even in this format. 93+ pts. (R&D)

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• 2009 Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon "Old Sparky" Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard 96 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  Decanted, though I did not catch for how long (though it was a minimum of two hours). Dark youthful color with no bricking. Aromas of black currants, plum, chocolate, bay leaf, olive and tobacco…complex and lovely, with none of the overt brown sugar notes I often find in cabs made by TRB. Full-bodied with medium tannins and flavors of bay leaf, black currants, coffee, plum and herbs. Balanced; lingering finish. 96-97 pts. (R&R)

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Enjoyed with coffee as we had plenty of wine already.

Thanks to R&R for hosting another wonderful dinner.