Two very special Easter wines here. The Schramsberg came from the cellar of my dear friend and former professor, from which have come a number of other curious old wines that some folks here might remember (72 Petrus, 73 Mouton). The Pavillon Rouge, quite a treat brought by an uncle of mine to share with me as an early graduation treat.
Schramsberg, Blanc de Blancs, Napa Valley 1989
Golden yellow with hints of orange and green. Excellent mousse and bubbles, still, which hold to the very end. Needs time to blow off some gruby oxidized notes, but grows and grows amazingly from there, making a dramatic transformation from an iffy wine into an excellent one. Excellent nose of honey and flowers. On the palate, orange, golden apple, honey, and cashew. Clearly has the ripeness of a Napa Chardonnay. Full bodied. Excellent quality, depth, and class still apparent. Can hold at this level for a few more years, but sooner probably better. *** [4/23/11]
Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux, Margaux 1998
Decanted about a hour, and certainly needed it. Dark, glossy purple. Awesome, dense nose. Blackberry, currant, and floral perfume. Very earthy. Exquisite quality, class, and elegance. A real pleasure to drink. As is often said of Ch. Margaux, a very masculine wine, despite also exuding Margaux perfume. This is a special wine, and hugely underrated. What a pity it now costs about $200. Another 10 years ahead of it? **** [4/24/11]