CT Dinner with The Grimes, Ron and Derik

Many thanks to Craig, Margaret, Ron and Derik for their generosity. This was an amazing line-up of wines perfectly paired with food that would be tough to replicate. A memorable evening.

Paired with raw oysters and almonds

• 1996 Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brut Millésimé Rosé 88 Points

  France, Champagne

  Lovely pale salmon color, with fragrant nose. On the palate the mousse is very fine, but hints of age are creeping in. Has a slightly maderized aspect coupled with a lemony/citrus lift that shows it's not dead yet, but is missing some fruit in the mid-palate. Still, paired really well with raw oysters.

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Paired with Moroccan Shrimp; Prosciutto, Figs and Mellon; Bruschetta with Feta Cheese and Roasted Peppers

• 1998 Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Hengst 93 Points

  France, Alsace, Alsace Grand Cru

  Golden yellow with the aromatics just exploding out of the glass. Classic Gewurz flavors of lychee on a viscuous, almost oily frame. Full bodied with a lot of residual sugar; could pass as a dessert wine in the right circumstances. Paired brilliantly with Moroccan Shrimp and with the cheese course later on. A wine to savor.

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Paired with Scallop "Ceviche"

• 1999 Bouchard Père et Fils Chevalier-Montrachet 92 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru

  Medium yellow with a nose of minerals and hints of oak. On the palate this is a heady mix of minerals, oak and toasted coconut on the finish. Seamless and full bodied, with a saline quality, like oyster shells, and layers of flavors. If I could relive it, I gladly would.

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Paired with Grilled Beef Loin, Swiss Chard and Polenta with Gorgonzola

• 1987 Château Mouton Rothschild 89 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  Ruby colored; nose has some funk coupled with sandalwood. Tannins are very fine and well integrated; the wine has a very soft mouth feel. The only thing that keeps it from being exceptional is that the wood overwhelms the fruit, making it slightly one-dimensional. Paired with the right food, however, it is quite enjoyable for all that. Ready to go; I don't think holding this will see any improvement.

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• 2001 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 91 Points

  USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

  Medium ruby with very fragrant nose. Beautifully integrated with bright fruit and flavors of cassis and plum. Long finish and drinking very well now. My first Leonetti and very impressed.

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Farm-Fresh Greenleaf Lettuce with Asian Pears, Roasted Walnuts and a Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette with Black Truffle Oil

Included French goat cheese, Spanish goat cheese, and Camembert. Reprise of Zind-Humbrecht.

Paired with Almond Macaroons with Pignoli Nuts

• 2005 Domaine des Baumard Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru 92 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru

  This wine never fails to please. Manages to combine the right amount of acidity with flavors of honeysuckle without being cloying. Deftly balanced. Brief notes, as this came at the end of an incredible line-up, and may have suffered some for that.

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