Short notes from Friday lunch at Elbert's Steakroom.
Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2009 - From Marlborough NZ, I think. This is the new label of Cloudy Bay's founding winemaker, Kevin Judd. Light green pepper. Refreshing. Finishes crisp with good length.
Freixenet Primer Cuvee Cava NV - Touch of caramel but very dry and light. A bit short. I still prefer Freixenet's Elyssia.
Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva 1991 - Fragrant wood and a bit of caramel. Very dry with high acidity. Elegant and fresh. My only experience with Tondonia was with an oxidized example but this one seems to have avoided that. I thought this was very good and surprisingly easy to drink. It was also a great match for the french fries. I suppose the high acidity just cut through the fat.
Roda I Reserva 2004 - 100% Tempranillo. Rich sweet and rather soft. Good wine but not too interesting in my opinion. Rather "International" in style.
Au Bon Climat Knox Alexander Pinot Noir 2003 - A little hot, ripe berries and quite sweet. Smoky, milk chocolate and something herbal coming through as well. Soft and rich. Good but a little sweet for my taste.
We ended with some very good Seppeltsfield Rare Para Port.
I think this was the first time our group consumed less than a bottle each!