Small & intimate Covid-era dinner
Chez moi
Tasted August 15, 2020 by VDLT Wine with 59 views
Introduction
Jill & David make four. A 7-hour mini-marathon on the patio
Flight 1 - To begin (1 note)
Served with: golden whitefish caviar, radishes and French butter, mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes and basil (dressing included Arizcuren olive oil) and Veleta conserves - mussels and sardines
Flight 2 - Showcasing a great wine (1 note)
Served with some holdovers + steamed and shelled lobsters with aioli
White
1996 Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru
Fourth of my stash of this acclaimed 1er Cru. First try at about age 7 was sensational. Of the subsequent 2, one was flawed if not overt pre-moxed. The other just failed to deliver on its potential. This time, we hit spectacular. Opened 5 hours prior to service. The deep golden color and early taste were troubling. In time, it hit its stride in a Grassl Cru. The aromatics were mesmerizing. Just a whiff of oxidation, more than balanced by all of those mature wine flavors that I find foolish to try to describe. This was not about any specific notes, it was a complete symphony that was stirring and evocative - full of energy, intrigue and soul. Bravo!
Flight 3 - Intermezzo (1 note)
Hard salami and Serrano Jamon were added
Red
2016 Canevaro Luca Colli Tortonesi Monleale
Italy, Piedmont, Colli Tortonesi
Despite being sandwiched between 2 very formidable wines, this lovely and very enjoyable Tortonese, acquitted itself well. It has real vibrance and freshness and admirable depth. I struggle to articulate the difference between Barbera from Tortona and those from Alba or Asti but it is apparent to me that there is a real difference.
Flight 4 - Main course (1 note)
Served with smoked paprika and cinnamon rubbed grilled spatchcock ducks with cinnamon, pineapple, clove sauce and pearl barley and carrots
Red
2018 Arizcuren Rioja Barranco del Prado
Spain, La Rioja, Rioja
Triple decanted at least 6 hours prior. Much too young but I needed to check in with this. From a Grassl Cru, the infant fruit has great energy, juiciness as well as remarkable purity. The tannins insist on saying, “none shall pass!” But the complexity that seemingly can come only from very old vines and original rootstock is palpable nonetheless. Such a dichotomy that a wine that is fiercely structured at present can still vividly display such delicacy.
Flight 5 - Cheese and sweets (1 note)
Initially mixed fruit and cheese plate (Saint Nuage triple cream), Istara Petit Basque & Comté); then homemade apricot Gateau Breton & drunken blondies
White - Sweet/Dessert
N.V. Van Duzer Zephyra
USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
A pleasant Demi-sweet Pinot Gris that is quite syrupy, lightly fruity and floral and short on the finish. Enjoyable if not entirely to my taste.
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