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NSMFOW December '09--BYO Yankee Swap
The Grapevine, Salem, MA
Tasted December 10, 2009 by cgrimes with 538 views
Introduction
With Holiday cheer, we all gathered for our long-awaited end of the season event. As usual, each person brings a bottle of wine from his/her cellar and the bottles are tasted blind. This year's tasting was interesting as there was neither a Chardonnay nor a Cabernet Sauvignon represented. Kate put together a lovely tasting menu for us as usual.
Flight 1 - White Flight (3 notes)
"Kate's homage to Chanukah:" Potato Latkes with Sauteed Apples and Creme Fraiche.
White
2008 Bergström Gewürztraminer
91 points
Similar to my previous note: Light golden color. Aromatic nose of flowers, melon, spice, lemon. Similar on the palate but light and refreshing with great acidity. Dry. Terrific wine.
White
2008 Boškinac Gegic
86 points
Golden color. Nose of slightly oxidized cider, minerals, some citrus. Same on the palate with a nice cider finish and some alcohol. Interesting wine.
White
2007 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc
92 points
Light golden color. Nose and palate of apple and lime. Big mouthfeel with some oak. Great acidity with a long apple finish. Lovely. I guessed Chenin Blanc.
Flight 2 - Red Flight 1 (4 notes)
Squid Ink Papardelle with Garlic and Seared Shrimp
Red
1999 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir Little Hill
89 points
Ruby color with some bricking. Some initial CO2 which blew off with swirling. Nose of dark cherry, spice. Similar on the palate with some earthiness. Midpalate was a bit thin. High acidity which took away from the balance. Good components but slightly off balance. Probably on the downslope of its drinking window. I incorrectly guessed a Burgundy.
Red
1998 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle
94 points
Purple color with some lightening at the rim. Nose of sweet dark fruits, herbs, earth. Palate very smooth with blackberry, plum, spice, some tar and earth. Tannins sweet. Near perfect balance. More elegant than powerful. Some even felt it was Pinot-like. Nice wine.
Red
1999 Louis Jadot Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Couchereaux Domaine des Héritiers Louis Jadot
91 points
Deep ruby to purple color. Nose of blackberries, black cherry, some earth. Similar on the palate with some tar. Still quite tannic for a Pinot. I actually guessed an older N. Rhone. This still has some good ageing potential.
Red
2000 Hospices de Beaune Corton-Cuvée Charlotte Dumay
90 points
Dark ruby color. Nose of dark fruits, earth. Palate of black cherry, some plum, earth, tar with decent tannic structure. Well balanced with good concentration. I incorrectly guessed this as an aged N. Rhone.
Flight 3 - Red Flight 2 (4 notes)
Rolled Pork Loin with Spinach and Prosciutto, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, and Sauteed Kale
Red
1995 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape
92 points
Deep ruby, almost purple color. Nose of briary fruits, plum, barnyard, leather. Palate of blackberry, some cassis, plum, leather, tar, earth with nice tannins. Good finish. Balanced and concentrated. Great wine.
Red
2000 Château Pradeaux Bandol
90 points
Purple almost opaque. Nose of dark fruits, smoke, some leather. Palate of blackberry, plum, smoke, liquorice, some earth with big, big tannins. Nice elements but I would not be in a hurry to drink this.
Red
1998 Albino Rocca Barbaresco Vigneto Brich Ronchi
92 points
Deep ruby color. Nose of briary fruits, some cassis, some cherry, smoke. Similar on the palate with excellent depth of fruit. Tannins were searing, though, suggesting this is still a bit too young to drink without an extended decant. Great elements, though.
Red
2007 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec
87 points
Purple opaque. Nose of blackberry and plum with some smoke. Palate of same with some chocolate, glycerine, tar with a bit of alcohol on the finish. Very primary wine.
Closing
For dessert we enjoyed a Hazelnut Mousse. Thanks to all for a great tasting!