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Julie D. wine dinner

Central Park Fusion Cuisine, Hot Springs, Arkansas

Tasted April 28, 2012 by Racer117 with 533 views

Introduction

Our fabulous host, JulieDHS, hosted a few of the San Diego usual suspects for a fun wine fueled weekend. Dinner at her local favorite restaurant was even better than imagined when the talented chef Matt asked our host for a list of wines that we were bringing. All were paired wonderfully and with great service, this was a night to remember.

Flight 1 (6 notes)

White - Sparkling
2002 Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Brut France, Champagne
94 points
My second time trying this wine. I remember being thoroughly unimpressed by the 1st time but the 2nd.....

Lighter to medium colored. The lightest of bubble structure. Such definition and precision. Some dough, surprisingly sweetly profiled citrus fruit. Fabulous. Would I open my wallet for this? Not so sure but if JulieDHS is opening, I'm drinking!
White
1999 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Cuvée Roussanne Vieilles Vignes France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
No official score as I've not had many white Rhone wines.

Deep golden color. Smoke and marzipan on the nose. Low to moderate acidity leads into spice and raisin flavors. This bottle had a long finish and I found it enjoyable. SD-Wineaux And Whine-Oh both said, "Yummy!".
Red
1994 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
92 points
Pleasantly fresh and funky nose. Tarry berry flavors with secondary flavors of licorice and spices. A solid mid-palate. Tasty.
Red
2003 Domaine du Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
91 points
Soft earthy nose and garrique(?). Not very funky or brett-like. Sweet berries and herbs (fennel, anise, licorice?). I'd call this open for business.
Red
1999 Château Haut-Bages Averous France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
91 points
I had planned to have a little comparison with Ch. Lynch-Bages ('00 and '02 vintages), but this was consumed on its own.

A nice surprise. Aromas of green tobacco, tar, and berries. Full bodied, acidic and spicy. Lots of berries along with complimentary funkiness. Impressive. I think I need to chase down some '99 Ch. Lynch-Bages
Red
2004 Il Poggione (Proprietá Franceschi) Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
93 points
My first Riserva Brunello and I hope not my last.

Deep dark red color all the way through. Fresh berries on the nose. Sharply acidic body of fresh cherries and complex earthiness. A long finish. Cin-cin!

Closing

WOTN? Well, our most trusted secretary, Javachip, was not there so our notes were limited to say the least. Personally I'd lean towards the Cristal but I was immensely pleased with my Bordeaux offering. Most all guests could barely touch their 2nd course, Venison. However, everyone put a big dent in their over the top decadent dessert. I hope to return to this great restaurant. 3 cheers for our fabulous host, "Woo, pig, soiee!"

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