Dinner at Campanile last night. It's really nice to be able to follow wines over the course of the night. Nothing sucked!
2002 H. Billiot Fils Champagne Millésimé Brut - France, Champagne, Ambonnay, Champagne (9/18/2010)
This is still a relatively young Brut. Quite rich but not heavy in the least bit. Butterscotch, baked breads and green apples on the nose that improve and show greater intensity after a few hours. Flavors continue on the palate with a pronounced acidity that settles in time. The bead is fine and non intrusive. This is a superb wine that should develop into a great wine.
2006 Henri Boillot Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrières - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Meursault 1er Cru (9/18/2010)
Popped and poured. Very expressive wine. Golden hay color. Aromas of lanolin and tropical fruits that evolve with time to include hazelnut as well as upping the intensity. Palate is generous and rich with plenty of fat right now though distinctively minerally driven with great length. Clearly Mersault but not clear on Perrieres just yet, though no doubt this top 1er cru/grand cru quality. In 5 years this wine should be amazing. The Henri B wines are quickly becoming my favorite white burgs.
2000 Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (9/18/2010)
Popped and poured @ Campanile. Couldn't see the color very well but needed a little time to open. About an hour did the trick. A beautiful perfumed nose. Missing the intensity and length as in many '00s. Nonetheless, tasting great with wonderful purity and precision. Tannins are almost completely resolved with enough acidity to keep it lively, but really quite velvety. Very happy with this wine and easily out performed the previous bottle from 2 years ago. This wine is in it's apex imho.
1999 Château de Bellevue - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Lussac-St. Émilion (9/18/2010)
This saw a few hours in the decanter. Color is still youthful. Aromas are not very expressive: some funk, tobacco and a little metallic. These notes continue through on the plate with the tobacco coming clearly through. Fruits are red/blue but not well defined. Drinking quite well right now with supple tannins. The length and finish are above average with some lingering flavors. I would wager drink up.