Thanksgiving 2008 and celebrating my 30th birthday
Mom & Dad's house
Tasted Thursday, November 27, 2008 by *Vine* with 841 views
Introduction
Every five years my birthday coincides with Thanksgiving. This being my 30th called for opening up the cellar to find a few heavy hitters that would not only pair nicely with Thanksgiving dinner, but also make the evening a little bit more special than in years past. We started off in the afternoon with my birthday celebration before switching gears and getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner.
Flight 1 - 30th birthday flight (3 Notes)
With simple hors d'oeuvre of fresh fruit, assorted cheeses, and delicious herb rolled salumi. Both Champagne's were wonderful. The 1988 Rare had an exceptionally long finish and was easily one of the most complex bottles of Champagne I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying. The 2000 Piper is just great Champagne, my last note from 11/07/08 describes it in further detail. As for the 1978 Mondavi, when dealing with a wine in such extraordinary condition from the same year you were born.......well, let's just say it's provided a wonderful memory.
Flight 2 - Thanksgiving dinner flight (2 Notes)
Wonderful, traditional Thanksgiving dinner......the turkey was moist and provided the base to an excellent gravy......herbed bread stuffing and mashed potatoes made from the Yukon Gold variety were delicious. We also made a brussels sprout and cauliflower gratin, steamed green beans and fresh dinner rolls. Very traditional and heart warming.
Both of the wines were fabulous accompaniments and exceeded expectations, especially the 2004 Melville Terraces Pinot Noir, my favorite of the night. Initially, my family was split over which they preferred.......but in the end everyone agreed that while both wines were special, the Melville was simply stunning.
Closing
Also have to add that my Mom prepared 3 amazing pies for dessert........pecan, chocolate pecan, and pumpkin. Topped with her freshly whipped cream they provided a delicious close to the evenings food. A glass of Armangac 1978 ended the evening.
All-in-all, it was hard to ask for much more on Thanksgiving! The food was delicious, the wine phenomenal, and having the opportunity to enjoy it with my family is a memory I will cherish forever.
1988 Veuve Clicquot Champagne Brut Vintage Rare 94 Points
France, Champagne
Easy to open, aged cork slid out with little effort. Golden hue with a fine mousse. Toasty aromas lead to a a very complex nose of butterscotch, curry powder, lemon, and maybe just a touch of oxidation. Medium body, with fine flavors of toffee, hazelnut, biscuit, and a smokey minerality that continues on the lengthy, persistent finish. Really stays with you. Outstanding, and drinking perfectly right now.
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2000 Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut Millésimé 93 Points
France, Champagne
Similar notes to last bottle on 11/07/08. This is just excellent Champagne and a relative QPR selection. Have to quickly reiterate how ripe and fresh the fruit flavors are, they really do "pop" on the palate.
Straight to the point, this is a delicious bottle of Champagne!
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1978 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 93 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Popped and poured. Still a youthful, deep garnet hue with more of a lighter ruby on the rim. Great bouquet, very reminiscent of Bordeaux; with cigar box, tobacco leaf, tar, and just a touch of black fruits. The aromas really took on a more herbaceous profile in glass, similar to my last tasting of this beauty. Medium body. On the palate you can still taste black fruits, which are enveloped by complex flavors of fresh cedar, smoke, and spice. Tannins are very smooth but still apparent. Great finish. Shows that CA Cabernet aged in ideal storage can endure through the years.
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