Surprise at Simon's place ..

I accepted a spontaneous invitation to an after work dinner with my working colleague Simon.
I did know that he loves good wine. However the wine that he served for the main course managed to top any expectation.
Simon, how can I possibly top this, when you will be my guest next time?
Again, thank you very much! (What a pitty that David couldn't be with us ..)

1997 Bernard Dugat-Py Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru
Pristine bottle. Dense, deep ruby red. Slightly hazy, since unfiltered. Amazing complexity on the nose despite this wine's youthfulness. Reminds me spontaneously of 1997 La Mouline. Sweet, black cherries, backed by "griottes" cherries and wild raspberries. Apart from fruit there is scent of incense, iron, thyme, decent white truffle and a decent petrolly note (a sign of first maturity). On the palate there is confirmation of the impressions on the nose. Spectacularly deep, highly aromatic tannins. But the tannins show more power than the fruit. Nevertheless, the wine is harmonious with incredible concentration and freshness. (citric-like freshness in the tannins like with 1978 Monfortino) The finish is dominated by hints of smoked meat and sea salt. Clearly the best Burgundy ever, that I've tasted from this vintage so far (a vintage that I do not like particularly). And anyway one of my greatest experiences with red Burgundy. Wow! - My rating: 96-97/100.

I accepted a spontaneous invitation to an after work dinner with my working colleague Simon.
I did know that he loves good wine. However the wine that he served for the main course managed to top any expectation.
Simon, how can I possibly top this, when you will be my guest next time?
Again, thank you very much! (What a pitty that David couldn't be with us ..)

1997 Bernard Dugat-Py Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru
Pristine bottle. Dense, deep ruby red. Slightly hazy, since unfiltered. Amazing complexity on the nose despite this wine's youthfulness. Reminds me spontaneously of 1997 La Mouline. Sweet, black cherries, backed by "griottes" cherries and wild raspberries. Apart from fruit there is scent of incense, iron, thyme, decent white truffle and a decent petrolly note (a sign of first maturity). On the palate there is confirmation of the impressions on the nose. Spectacularly deep, highly aromatic tannins. But the tannins show more power than the fruit. Nevertheless, the wine is harmonious with incredible concentration and freshness. (citric-like freshness in the tannins like with 1978 Monfortino) The finish is dominated by hints of smoked meat and sea salt. Clearly the best Burgundy ever, that I've tasted from this vintage so far (a vintage that I do not like particularly). And anyway one of my greatest experiences with red Burgundy. Wow! - My rating: 96-97/100.

Wow indeed! And how does the 1997 compare to the 1996 which I seem to remember you also had not too long ago? Sounds like the 1997 is fully mature, or at least closer to it?

Greetings from Switzerland, David.
_________________

„J'ai gâché vingt ans de mes plus belles années au billard. Si c'était à refaire, je recommencerais.“ – Roger Conti

[David M. Bueker]

Some 1997s continue to surprise.

Wow indeed! And how does the 1997 compare to the 1996 which I seem to remember you also had not too long ago? Sounds like the 1997 is fully mature, or at least closer to it?

David, the 1996 is just overwhelming: still so young (even reductive) and so promising, a true prodigy ranging somewhere between 98 and perfection .. What do I know to rate such a wine The 1997 is much more down to earth and has its limitations. You're right, it is mature and may be best to drink now. Its fruit would only go downhill from here while the tannins are made to last and give support for another 15 years at least.

Some 1997s continue to surprise.

Obviously, you had better luck than I with 1997 Burgundies so far. I have been mostly disappointed by it (perhaps out of impatience or ignorance).

[David M. Bueker]

Some 1997s continue to surprise.

Obviously, you had better luck than I with 1997 Burgundies so far. I have been mostly disappointed by it (perhaps out of impatience or ignorance).

I didn't say how many...the number is rather small.