Short notes from dinner with Lester, Freddie and Luciano at CAV.
Finca de Arantei Albarino 2010 - Rias Baixas. Grassy and lemony. Tastes like Sauvignon Blanc. Pleasant but simple.
Piper Heidsieck Cuvee Rare Champagne NV - Good depth of flavor. Butterscotch, green apple and tobacco. Good length. Excellent Champagne. I've been following the evolution of this wine for a couple of years now and it seems it's getting better and better but still has some upside.
Seresin Pinot Gris 2009 - From New Zealand. Lemon rind. Slightly tart. Some smokiness. Medium plus sweetness but rather lean in body. Good length. Good.
Seresin Reserve Chardonnay 2008 - From New Zealand. A good deal of fruit here. Mandarin orange. Smoky oak but very subtle. Well integrated. This recently came up on top in a Wine and Food Society blind tasting of 30 Chardonnays. Deserved the top spot, I think.
Chamonix Graywacke Pinotage 2008 - Rich, oaky, soft. Weak finish. Not very interesting.
San Marzano Primitivo di Manduria 2006 - Grown from land confiscated from the Mafia, according to Luciano. Chocolate, blueberries, very ripe nose, Lots of fruit. Raisins, leather, espresso. Porty or perhaps like an Amarone. Impressive wine. Excellent.
Torbreck Descendant 2004 - Corked on the nose but the flavor seemed fine. Blueberries, cinnamon, nutmeg. Warm and soft. Probably at peak but likely not a pristine bottle.
We also had a Greywacke Late Harvest Gewurztraminer which was good but I didn't take notes on it.