Notes from Friday lunch with the Usual Suspects at Mamou.
Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve NV - Creamy but a little weak on the finish. Refreshing though a little simple.
Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut NV - Deep flavor. Cafe au lait, nuts, some smokiness and good fruit. Very nice. I like this better than the top of the line Belle Epoque.
Guado al Tasso 2001 - Badly corked.
Leroy Meursault Blagny 1er Cru 2002 - Sherry nose, oxidized. What a disappointment.
Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis 2009 - Light, crisp, rather bitter finish. A good palate cleanser.
Marques de Murrieta Dalmau 1995 - Berry jam on the nose. Quite dry. Soft. About perfect now. Very good. I'm not really a Dalmau fan as I find it rather sweet and oaky. I much prefer Castillo Ygay but I admit I've never had Dalmau this old. If they all age this way, I could change my mind.
Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 - What a treat! My favorite Montelena vintage. Rich and soft. Good fruit. No edges at all. At peak now.
Torres Reserva Real 2006 - Cabernet Sauvignon that commemorates the visit of King Juan Carlos to the Torres winery. Very dark. Ripe fruit. Big wine. Dryish finish. Could be a New World wine. Lacks a sense of place.
Rogue Imperial Stout 2008 - As Beertender Jim was with us, we also had a beer. Dark, smoky, high grade bitter chocolate. Coffee bean. Very complex and a finish that won't quit. Still a little rough. I think another year or two of age should improve this greatly. Still, an excellent stout.
Hetszolo Tokaji 6 Puttonyos 1995 - Didn't seem all that sweet. Very acidic. Nothing special and definitely unable to cope with the pecan pie.
On the suggestion of Jojo, we rounded the corner after lunch and had a couple more bottles at Wine Story:
Jojo offered to buy the first bottle and naturally he had it served blind.
Mystery Wine - On the nose, mint, Aaron said blueberry. Very California on the nose. Flavor is another matter. Lean and acidic although it does flesh out after some exposure. Strong tannins. I guessesd Left Bank 2004. It was Chateau La Mondotte 1998.
Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino 2004 - Savory but good fruit. Well balanced. Everything in the right place and rather approachable. A solid Brunello. Very good.
La Rioja Alta 890 1995 - Fabulous, very sweet nose of crushed berries and just a touch of oak. Good flavor too but the nose makes this wine.