Notes from a great dinner prepared by a friend for a small group.
2009 Ch. Montelena Chardonnay – nice vanilla and pear nose, very good balance, finishing well with good acidity. More restraint than many California chards.
With seared foie gras (large chunk of goose!) served over a warmed shredded duck confit:
1999 Jadot Beaune 1er Cru – this wine was showing a typical dark cherry nose with no poopiness, and there was still quite a bit of soft tannin on entry, with good cherry fruit behind it, medium long. Nice wine.
With 45 day aged prime rib steaks 2” thick, cooked rare, served with a demiglace with some added foie gras (Wow!)
1982 Cos d’Estournel – we wondered what was up with this one as the nose was at first very funky, but it quickly cleared up and it ponied up an excellent claret nose with elements of earth, cedar and spice. Mellow and smooth, with considerable weight in the mouth, it showed some good plummy fruit and further spice on palate and finished with excellent length and some remaining soft tannins. At peak, but coasting so I don’t think there is any rush.
