1999 Dom. du Vieux Telegraphe “La Crau” Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
Drank at La Sirene with Jun and John. Notes of brett at the onset but blew off soon after. Big, chewy, rustic, quite backward, roasted herbs. Needs food. If I may borrow from a car commercial, this would be something like your Uncle Olaf’s chateauneuf. I like it for its slight clunkiness, old boxy style and rusticity. B+
NV Albrecht Cremant-de-Alsace
Also at La Sirene. Earthy, mineral, taste of cherries and white fruit spurting in and out. Uncompromising balance. B-
2000 Trimbach Cuvee Frederic Emile Riesling
Whiff of slight petrol, grass and some sulfur. Very tight at the open, remained tight all during 1.5 hours of dinner at home. Opened up slightly to reveal lemony taste, stone, and grapefruit. Good length. Looking like another good CFE. B+
1989 Dominus Estate, Napa Valley
With Jun at Fabio Piccolo Fiore. Sweet fruit, leather, smoke, some earthiness in the nose. Nice level of fruitiness, traces of wood that appeared to have been nicely integrated, a wine that’s good for casual sipping and drinking on its own. B+
1995 Tua Rita Giusto di Notri, Tuscany
At Fabio Piccolo. Made of Cabernet sauvignon, merlot cab franc and petit verdot. Very dark, black plum in color. Expressive nose of confection and wood. High acidity, big and full-bodied, ripe with blueberries that came in waves. Long finish. Way too much of the big ripe stuff for me. B