Notes from today's lunch at Nanohana, one of our favorite Japanese restaurants, with Arnie, Jojo, Johnny and Denny.
Howard Park Chardonnay 2004 - From Margaret River, Western Australia. Steely with a very subtle oak. Tart and refreshing with a bit of orange on the palate. I thought it was pretty good, although Arnie thought it was too acidic.
Dauvissat Chablis Sechet Premier Cru 2002 - Very dry, stony, classic Chablis. Beautiful, flowery, tremendously long finish. Excellent.
Trimbach Frederic Emile Riesling Vendanges Tardives 2001 - Light gold. Sweet nose. Quite sweet. Gentle but still a bit tight. Peachy, with a bit of grape skins texture on the finish. Spicy. Well-balanced. Very long, warm, finish. Very tempting to drink now but can still improve with more cellaring. Outstanding. I have to get more of this.
Patz and Hall Pinot Noir 2006 - Good cherry sweet nose. Quite dry with lots of dried fruit character. Medium-bodied. Good.
Williams Selyem Mendocino Pinot Noir 2001 - Light and spicy. A bit woody. A solid PN but should have had it before the Patz and Hall which is a much fuller wine.
Chateau Suau Sauternes 1995 - Light gold. Good, classic Sauternes botrytis nose. A lighter style of Sauternes. Pineapple and burnt sugar. Decent finish. Good.
I thought the whites were showing better than the reds, but it was a brutally hot day so maybe that influenced my preferences. The whites were also more successful with my sushi.