WTN: Dinner last night-Lafond, Pepiere, Groth, Anselmann

• 2002 Comte Lafond Sancerre - France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Sancerre (5/27/2006)
  Not a lot going on aromatically and rather thin on the palate. Some lemon peel and minerality, but lacking in concentration. With air it opened up a bit, but not a wine I would return to. Out of 375ml, so we were able to kill this one off quickly.
  
• 2004 Domaine de la Pepiere (Marc Ollivier) Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Vieilles Vignes Clos des Briords - France, Loire Valley, Pays Nantais, Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine (5/27/2006)
  All I can say is, why in the hell didn't I buy more. OK, now that that's out of the way, this is just delicious juice. Lemon liquid stones. Crisp, clean and refreshing with minerality to spare. There also seems to be the essence of the sea in this bottle...not sure if that is related to the minerality but it is refreshing and adds character. This wine paired perfectly with the Hamachi carpaccio with yuzu and citrus gastrique. They say this wine will last a long time and age well...unfortunately none of mine stand a chance.
  
• 1994 Groth Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (5/27/2006)
  I'm starting to go through orphan bottles to make room in the cellar. I couldn't get a real read on the color...as best I could tell no real signs of age. Showing restrained aromas of cedar, pencil shavings and currant. The palate is just pure silk and finese. Everything is in harmony. This doesn't have the concentration of the reserve, but clearly the same breed. Not a tannin in sight, yet there is some structure adding support to the complex flavors and length on the finish. What can I say, but a great wine for what it is. Paired with a course of mushroom, duck confit & parmigiano risotto, and dry aged petit fielt mignon. Retail was $19.99.
  
• 2004 Anselmann Riesling Eiswein - Germany, Pfalz, Edesheimer Forst (5/27/2006)
  Light straw in color. Nose of stone fruits, honey and marmalade. The palate is where this wine shines. Crisp acidity delivers then fruit with great precision. Good length and clean finish. I want more. Bought at Trader Joes in Santa Barbara. Paired with warm macadamia nut & Scharffen Berger chocolate bread pudding. Retail: $19.99

Thanks for the notes Greg. The Groth is one of the few Cali Cabs that I've been able to try in that price range and I was very pleased with it. I guess work does have a few nice perks =). We sell it for $70 dollars at the restaurant and I usually have few problems selling it. Our vintage is 2002, nice to hear how well it holds up over time.

Tyler

Gregg,
The 05 Briords is now in the market and just as good - maybe better.
Best, Jim

Gregg, I discovered the Dom. Pepiere Muscadet a few years back, and I always try to keep some of it on hand. For some reason, I noticed that I'm out at the moment, so thanks for the reminder to stock up for the summer. BTW ... I hope you will take this as flattery, but I intend to borrow your short description "lemon liquid stones."

-- Clark

I haven't seen the '05 Pepieres on the west coast yet, but when I do...look out (note: drink more orphans-quickly)

I hope you will take this as flattery...

yah sure ya betcha

Gregg,
The 05 Briords is now in the market and just as good - maybe better.
Best, Jim

Really? I'd only seen the '05 Pepiere so far. Time for another visit to Chambers I suppose.

BTW, putting a few away for aging is a very good idea. The '88 after 2 hours in a decanter is a marvel.

[Jenise]

Gregg, good timing on the Groth. I have a lone bottle I've been wondering about opening, and your note is encouraging.