With our children and their partners home for Christmas, it seemed reasonable to pull out some of the gems from the cellar. I have gotten out of the habit of writing tasting notes so these will be sparser than my notes of yore.
With foie gras entier and hot-smoked salmon from an Irish smokehouse, Gunderloch Nackenheim Rothenberg Riesling Auslese 1995
At 10% alcohol and at least 60 grams of residual sugar, this wine worked extremely well with the foie gras, Pretty classic Riesling nose but little or no petrol/gasolene. Pure candy on the palate, only moderate acidity and a long finish. Definitely on the sweet end of Ausleses. Excellent
With a standing rib roast then cheeses, a series of reds:
Gaja Sperss Barolo 1990
Lovely nose. Big wine that has evolved close to perfectly. Now fully mature but in no danger of going over the hill. Tannins fully resolved and supporting the structure without being obtrusive in any way. Big volume and layers of flavors. This remains perhaps the best Barolo ever made by Gaja. Outstanding
Guigal La Mouline 1989
As good as the Gaja was, this was even better. All leather, smoke and spice, this did not have the bacon fat so characteristic of La Mouline in other vintages. But talk about layers of flavor and complexity. This made a perfect marriage with a nigh-on perfect Vacheron Mont d'Or from Mons with each bringing out the best in the other. Perfect
Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1991
Not sure why I didn't start with this wine, but I didn't and it got a bit lost. A wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon that stacks up with the best Bordeaux. Now showing layers of secondary flavors, smooth tannins and very good length. Excellent/Outstanding. At other times, I have generally rated this as Outstanding but it was definitely a step down from the La Mouine,
Ridge Monte Bello 1991
This, on the other hand, was an exceptional bottle. I have generally rated the 1991 Monte Bello behind the 1990 and behind the 1991 Beringer but this bottle was terrific. Terrific spice and volume on the palate, unmistakeably Monte Bello with that combination of wood spices and dark fruits. Fully mature, smooth on the palate and very long. Outstanding
Tonight I think we will try a few Burgundies with the turkey.
Merry Christmas to all.
Robert
