With Keiichi in town for the holidays, we decided, that since he missed the big Je Suis Gourmand send-off earlier this month, we would visit JSG one more time, one day before it closes. It was a bit sad to see the cheese and cold cuts chiller in front empty, the menu reduced to a few items on a laminated card and the wine rack nearly empty. Still, we were assured by Chef Marc that he would re-open in 3 months at the same location.
There was a lot of wine on the table but we decided on a Champagne, White Burgundy, Rose Rioja, Cotes du Rhone, Pomerol and a Beerenauslese.
Since New Year was a day away, we started with a Baron - Fuente Meunier Champagne NV followed by:
Albert Grivault Meursault Clos des Perrieres 2007 - Very young, with a grape skin texture. A little smoky, some orange notes and a pinch of oak. The acidity seemed a bit sharp. Finishes long and dry.
Lopez de Heredia Tondonia Gran Reserva Rosado 2000 - Slightly orange cast. Very gentle wine, soft flavors. Very difficult for me to get a handle on this. Not sure what to make of it. Not bad, but not too interesting.
Coudoulet de Beaucastel Cotes du Rhone 2005 - Sweet nose. Meaty. Tannins already rather soft making this rather approachable. I didn't detect the unmistakable funky Beaucastel aroma which is a shame, I think, but which I'm sure some would appreciate. This was an excellent match with the ox tongue and cheeks in a very rich reduction. Certainly not your average Cotes du Rhone. Very good.
Chateau Gazin 2000 - Soft, rich wine but not really showing too much. Less expressive than the one we had from Arnie last month. Perhaps should have been decanted and hour or so.
Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland Riesling Beerenauslese 2006 - Deep gold. Apricot, honey and candied tropical fruits. Sweet but balanced by the acidity on the finish. Excellent.