Short notes from the last CACS dinner. French theme. This time the students also provided some wine to go with the food.
St. Meyland Brut NV - Sparkling Burgundy. 100% Chardonnay. Rather large bubbles. Some sweetness despite the Brut designation. There is a very slight hint of oxidation. A bit short but rather nice.
Clos des Verdots Semillon Bergerac Sec 2005 - No nose. Bitter, light, soft. Unpleasant.
Leeuwin Art Series Chardonnay 1999 - Nose of mandarin orange. Smoky vanillla and coconut oak. Ripe pineapple. The oak is slightly more prominent than the fruit which makes the wine slightly unbalanced. It seems best to drink this sooner rather than later as the fruit seems to be fading. Impressively long finish. Still manages to be a great Chardonnay.
Petit Fume Pouilly Fume Domaine Redde 2005 - Nice nose. Sour candy flavor. Soft and dry. A bit simple but not bad.
David Bruce Pinot Noir 2003 - Sonoma. Lots of sweet fruit but ripe and elegant. Strawberries with an undercurrent of forest and mushrooms. Excellent and drinking very well.
Chateau d'Aiguilhe 1998 - Starts out a bit musty then menthol. Some caramel. Full-bodied, Good fruit. Still a bit tannic.
Domaine La Roubine Gigondas 2004 - Curry spice, sweet fruit. New Worldy. Smoked meat, dried herbs. Young, tannic. Needs time but should turn out very good.
Chateau Lagrange 2001 - Classic cedary, smoky, very dry. Well balanced. Drinking very well now.
Clos Lapeyre Jurancon Moelleux 2004 - Sweet, gentle, light, apple skins. A bit nutty. Nice, fun wine.
De Bortoli Noble One 2002 - Burnt sugar, thick and rich with a very long finish. Very nice.