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Fabulous All Sauternes Tasting Dinner: Part Trois
Brad's Place, St. Paul, MN
Tasted February 23, 2024 by rocknroller with 65 views
Introduction
This was the third incarnation of Brad's all Sauternes dinners. This event is always looked forward to by us Sauternes lovers, and we had a nice group of eight (BB, SS, CS, DM, LI, ML, KB, JV). There were a couple of fits and starts before this came off, but when it did - damn, it was glorious. Brad always brings inspired dishes and attention to detail with everything he does. This was no different. The pairings were well thought out and all worked nicely. Our mix of wines was also wonderful, so thanks to all of our guests for sharing great wines. Kudos to Brad for sharing his talents and reminding us of all the ways we could or should be drinking more Sauternes. Cheers, I'm already thinking about the next one!
Flight 1 (2 notes)
White - Sparkling
N.V. Marc Hébrart Champagne Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut
91 points
Grabbed a last of the bottle on arrival. Very small pour. No notes. Always solid.
White
2018 Maison Pierre Brisset Bourgogne Blanc Cuvée Cassaneas
90 points
Light gold color. Small pour over 15 minutes. Very pleasant, elegant style, more stone fruited, some slaty minerality, 89+ to 90pts.
Flight 2 (8 notes)
White - Sweet/Dessert
2005 Château Rieussec
94 points
Medium gold color. Drank a glass over 90 minutes. Viscous, honey, orange cream, apple, honeysuckle, creme brulee and sweet spice on the nose. The palate replicates the nose with its not overly sweet and balanaced charcter, spice, shaved nuts and decadent character. Bright and wonderful. Love this, always have, and I probably am undervaluing it as it is I had it so many times over so many years. 94+ to 95pts.
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White - Sweet/Dessert
2005 Château Guiraud
93 points
Light medium gold color. Drank a glass over 90 minutes. Oranges, melon, apricot, sweeter and a bit thinner than the '05 Rieussec next to it; tart citrus with very good length.
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White - Sweet/Dessert
2001 Château Rabaud-Promis
92 points
Medium gold color. Drank a glass over 2 hours. Toasted brown sugar, burnt orange creme brulee, ginger, liqueured orange peel, honey pot, apricot, baked spiced apples, syrupy with less acid driving this.
White - Sweet/Dessert
1990 Château Climens
97 points
Deep golden color. Drank a glass plus over 2 hours. This has a lifted nose tht just explodes from the glass. Bursting with aromas of Mandarin orange, fresh tangerine peels, dulce de leche, peach cobbler, pear, white flowers, and pineapple. The palate is so crisp and bright. At almost 35 years this is incredibly fresh. The palate has fantastic acidity that drives the ship making this so elegant and balanced. Orange chiffon, pineapple cream, amazing spice notes that deliver the perfect accent to this long, vibrant and tingly masterpiece. Love it.
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White - Sweet/Dessert
1983 Château Rieussec
91 points
Dark amber color. Drank a glass over 2 hours. Sweet pear tart, baked pear, spicy orange marmalade, baked apricot, medium bodied, baked fruits, dried orange peel, spicy botrytis, not particularly sweet and more advanced in presentation.
White - Sweet/Dessert
1986 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey
94 points
Medium amber color. Drank a glass over an hour plus. Unripe melon, dried prange peels, Mandarin orange, deep and intense, layers of tart citrus and pineapple, toasty caramelized sugar, abundant spices, creamy pleasing texture. Much more vibrant than the '83 Rieussec next to it. Very nice. 93+ to 94pts.
White - Sweet/Dessert
1955 Château d'Yquem
96 points
Very dark amber color. Drank a glass over an hour plus. Dried oranges, dried pineapple, lemon blossoms with a floral potpourri, honeysuckle. This is so balanced and elegant, creamed honey, pear and mulled spices, baked apples, dried herbs, and Grand Marnier on a long finish. This was drinking just great again. Very similar to a previous bottle. Always an immense treat. 95+ to 96pts.
White - Sweet/Dessert
2001 Château Suduiraut
95 points
Deep gold color. Drank a glass over 30 minutes. This was totally back on point after a less compelling bottles a week ago. Very tangy and lifted, great acidity, wonderfully balanced, crisp and youthfully fresh in all the best ways. Orange tart, splendid spice notes, honey, panna cotta texture, floral, peach, toasted coconut. Fantastic! 95+ to 96pts.
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