Assorted notes from last week's dinners and lunches.
Albert de Vilarnau Blanc de Blancs Cava Chardonnay NV - Very dry and austere. Too steely for me. Gains nuance as it warms up but still, not too interesting. Available at Barcino Gourmet.
Willi Schafer Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2008 - Very light, gentle and easy. You can drink this like water. Great on a hot day. Available at PWX P 1300.
Donnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese 2008 - Quite sweet. Oddly, that's the only note I made. I remember enjoying it a lot, though. Available at PWX P 2900.
Domaine Ostertag Muenchberg Riesling 2003 - Light gold. Rather lean. Light sweetness and slightly bitter finish.
Chateau Phelan Segur 1996 - Very dark. Soft tannins, dried fruits. Quite dry. Seems to be at peak now.
Chapelle de la Mission Haut Brion 2001 - Soft but lots of fruit. Slight rubber on the nose that blew off after a bit. Lovely stuff and perfect now.
Chateau Faugeres 2004 - Slightly funky at first. Sweet coffee, milk chocolate. Complex. Rather New World in style. Soft and ready. Good but unexciting.
Chateau Montrose 1994 - Faded fruit. Rather sour and hollow. Too old.
Donnhoff Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Auslese Gold Kap 2006 - Apricot, yellow tropical fruit (mango, pineapple). Very rich, intense, honeyed. Beautiful wine. Available at PWX P 2650 (375 ml).
Bouchard Pere & Fils Chassagne Montrachet 2008 - Rich, sweet butter, a little woody. A little acidic on the long finish. Quite good except for the jarring acidity at the end. Available at Ralph's.
Bouchard Pere & Fils Chambolle Musigny 2007 - Sweet, ripe berry nose. Hint of smoke. Sour finish. I didn't like this. Available at Ralph's.
Bouchard Pere & Fils Vosne-Romanee 2007 - Meaty and leathery. Chocolate. Spicy. Good complexity. Very good. Available at Ralph's.