Important Update From the Founder
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Celebrating a new name for Chain Bridge Cellars!
Chain Bridge Cellars, McLean, VA
Tasted May 15, 2011 by grayfont with 652 views
Introduction
To celebrate the unveiling of their new name, the great folks at Chain Bridge Cellars (formerly Cecile's Wine Cellar) opened a spectacular array of 18 wines. I chose ten to sample. I still consider myself very much a novice, and this was an extraordinary opportunity for me to try some very nice wines, many of which are at price points that would prevent me from ever buying them without a chance like this to sample them first. I am extremely appreciative of Doug & Meg's generosity in hosting the event! I wasn't writing notes as I went, so these are from memory and therefore not very detailed.
Flight 1 (10 notes)
White - Sparkling
2002 Pierre Paillard Champagne Grand Cru Brut Millésimé
absolutely delightful. fresh and full around the mouth; very expressive and a beautiful way to start a tasting.
White
2008 Peter Michael Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille
Incredibly rich for a chard that does NOT beat you over the head with butter/oak. I don't know how they achieve that richness without the overpowering oak flavors, but I love it. this is the kind of wine a glass of which is more than just a drink - - it is also truly an experience.
White
2006 Domaine de Montbourgeau L'Etoile
my first Jura, so truly nothing to compare this to - but I found the oxidation to give the wine a nose more like a liqueur than a wine. on the palate, it started a bit biting but then unleashed amazing complexity of flavor. Every sip seemed different from the last.
Red
1993 Domaine Maillard Père & Fils Savigny-lès-Beaune
93 points
so nuanced! earthy, gentle, and complex. fills the mouth with a range of flavor. a great transition to the reds in the tasting.
Red
2001 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso
92 points
beautiful & floral on the nose in a way that I did not expect from a Brunello, but to fine effect. The palate was more traditional to the style, featuring wood and leather notes. This was perhaps a touch sharp on my palate, but this was Mrs. Grayfont's WOTN against a very impressive lineup.
Red
2004 Les Cailloux (Lucien et André Brunel) Châteauneuf-du-Pape
91 points
earthy with a little spice, just as you'd want your CdP to show.
Red
2006 Château Pavie
95 points
woo-hoo! not nearly as tight as I was expecting, this wine was showing beautifully. the fruit winds around gravel, graphite, and a faint hint of smoke. Extremely well enjoyed, and my WOTN.
Red
2005 Clarendon Hills Astralis
Those around me were raving about this but somehow it just didn't work for me. I found it very tight with a slight medicinal tone that the others didn't get at all. cleansed palate and tasted again to same results. Can't explain it, but no rating.
Red
2006 Gemstone G
92 points
a big huge wine with loads of fruit and a strong (but not off-putting) sense of alcohol. Not for the faint of heart!
White - Sweet/Dessert
2001 Tokaj Hétszőlő Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos
My first Tokaji, I found this fascinating - rich and smooth, with apple and honey flavors - with a nose that suggests a syrupy wine but a mouthfeel that is quite the opposite.
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