Some much needed r&r after a ridiculously hectic week - caught up with Eli for a few drinks with roast chicken, risotto and roast sweet potatoes.
2010 Schloss Johannisberg Riesling Trocken Gelblack
From half bottle. Really impressive, one of the most balanced trockens I've had in 2010. Bright citrus and pear fruit tinged with mineral and floral notes on a lightweight frame conveyed with really good precision and focus; the acidity's very well balanced here without being overly aggressive, and it's a lovely wine that confirms a lot of what I've heard about Schloss Johannisberg starting to turn around in recent years.
2008 Thierry Allemand Cornas Chaillot
Another sublime bottle. Incredibly fragrant with all sorts of bright peppery, floral and gamey elements around a core of fresh dark fruit; there's a sense of remarkable purity and clarity to the flavours, and a textural finesse closer to a great Burgundy.
1988 Château La Conseillante
DOA. Crappy, crumbling cork soaked all the way through, and turns out to be maderized.
1988 Château Léoville Barton
It's slightly hard and austere at first, but comes around with an hour in the decanter, showing mature cedar, earth and tobacco flavours combining seamlessly with pure dark fruited flavours. There's still a dusting of tannin on the back end, and the depth, structure and fruit here suggest there's no rush to drink this.
2005 Château La Tour Blanche Sauternes
Unsurprisingly very tropical, sweet and luscious with ripe mandarin orange, apricot and pineapple fruit drizzled with honey and lightly spicy notes. There's refreshing acidity beneath that keeps it very well balanced though, good depth and impressive length - while it's obviously very primary now, it's a really fun drink.