Dinner with friends to have some nice wines with people who care and appreciate.
For starters we served a Mailly NV Champagne, Grand Cru with fresh boiled "peel-your-own" South Carolina shrimp. Both were very nice together. Nice persistent mousse on the wine (91 pts). This is a co-op made up mostly of the GC village, Mailly. They do a nice job, and their vintage wines are worth a look.
Next we opened (with trepidation) a Chevalier '04 Ladoix 1st Cru Bois de Grechon. Not to worry, no pre-mox here. Beautiful acidity, deft oak treatment and a lovely finish (92 pts). You are lucky if you have more (this was my last bottle). Served with a St. Marcellin washed rind cheese. Very tasty pairing. Reminded me of Epoisse.
On to the guest of honor, '75 Cht. Haut Brion. I can't say enough about the character of this wine. Almost no bricking, fabulous nose, though restrained, and a perfect finish (94 pts). Fully evolved and glorious. Wish this were something I could drink 2-3 times a year. Served with medium-rare lamb chops and asparagus. Perfect!
In an attempt to compete with the preceding, we opened the '01 Cht. Guiraud, 1st Cru Sauternes. It was exquisite on its own, and very nice along-side fresh local strawberries with whipped cream and shaved dark chocolate (93 pts).
Is this what you call "hitting for the cycle"?
Some nights are better than others!