TN: Leflaive barely holding on, plus Williams Selyem

A while ago (7-9 years) I scored an excellent price on some '96 Leflaive Bourgogne. They were drinking well then, and I drank them all, except one bottle I gave to my BiL. So couple weeks ago I was in in-law's basement feeding cat and guinea pig while they were away, glanced over at Cal's winerack. There's a familiar label. Hmmm. I hate to be a wine busybody, but 14 (in a basement, never gets hot, but not as cool as even my passive cellar) years is really pushing it. So I casually mentioned to him it's really time to drink that (and have a backup).

So yesterday we had a last minute dinner party- Kath and Cal, their kids, Dave and his girlfriend. I opened a white and a red, and Cal showed up with the Burg. Dinner started with bruschetta and grilled figs with goat cheese (and proscuitto for meat eaters) on patio as the croquet game unfolded. Then inside for grilled salmon, pattypan squash, corn, and a chopped salad (then watermelon and gelato for dessert).

1996 Domaine Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc.
As noted, not ideal storage. Fairly dark gold color, some whiffs of oxidation. I say "it's ok, but we should drink quickly." I'm actually wrong, it freshens a bit, and holds well throughout evening. Apples and pears, butterscotch, some hazelnut. The oxidative notes are present throughout, but don't dominate to point of distraction. Drank much better 8 years ago, but a nice if slightly past it Chardonnay. Of course, 14 is plenty of aging for basic Bourgogne, even Leflaive. B-

2007 Domaine and Selection "Les Blanchots" Chablis Grand Cru
Barely touched as figured the Leflaive should be drunk up, but very pleasant while doing dishes. Good acidity, full bodied, lemon/citrus. Very good for price, but not to be confused with Raveneau! B/B+

2002 Williams-Selyem Pinot Noir (Sonoma)
Red fruits, high acids, some spice and earth. Medium bodied, good length, the acids just seem a bit unintegrated. B/B-

Fun night, good to taste the Leflaive again even if not a primo showing.

Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.  

[Jenise]

Last week when I chose the 03 basic RRV William Selyem to take to lunch in Vancouver, I checked the notes on Cellar Tracker to verify it's drinkability. And it's probably of no use to you except to perhaps put the wine you drank in some perspective, but a knowledgeable note there about the strengths of the 03 mentioned that IHO the 02 was already fading.

thanks for noting that, I actually have the 03 RRV, and somehow missed your (and Bill's) notes first time around, just read.

[Jenise]

You do? Oh good, it's showing quite well. So I'll add that the guy who commented negatively about the 02 did so in praise of the 03 which in his opinion could last another five years.