Yesterday Betsy and I headed to Jay and Arnold’s home in Jersey City, as we approached the apartment Betsy said “I smell gougeres” and we knew we were on right track. We were among the first, and snacked on gougeres, bread and butter (goat and cow), & Epoisses as we admired the whole roasted pig. As people arrived we feasted on the lechon with a delicious liver sauce, lumpia, squid sisig, green beans, and noodles. Later morel toast and cauliflower put in an appearance, followed by several desserts. A great spread ,tasty from start to finish.
Many many wines, with a very good success rate. . I was too busy talking to write notes. Sure I missed some, but here are a few impressions. I hope my memories of wine names is correct (though certainly imcomplete).
I had not been especially fond of Bereche first couple times I tried, but like the basic Brut last year, and this time I LOVED the Bereche “Campania Remensis” -crisp, elegant, chalky minerality. The 2002 Huet Petillant was fine, fullfilling the potential everyone expected before premox reports.
Non-bubbly Vouvray
Also escaping Premox, a 2002 Huet Sec was in a nice place, while I thought a 2007 Huet Demi-Sec (Le Haut Lieu?) was just a bit grumpy, but with a good future. My 1989 Foreau Demi-Sec was good, with ginger, wool, and apple. Fun to try as it seems to be an unusual bottle (this is lone bottle in Cellartracker).There was 2013 Champalou as well, which I thought pretty good, but hard to say as I only tasted towards end of night.
Riesling and friends
Without coordination what are the chances of 2 bottles of 1999 Nikolaihof? I brought the 1999 Steiner Hund, which was just as I remembered- steely, stony, long , and rich, with just a hint of petrol. Not sure who brought the ‘99 Im Weingebirge but it was lovely in a somewhat softer fruitier style. I also quite like the (vintage?) Eminence Road Gewurztraminer -bright acids for Gewurz, gingery, fresh, light. I told the winemaker I like that it tasted like Gewurztraminer without tasting like GEWURZTRAMINER!!! Varietal characteristics without hitting you over the head.
Rhones
I definitely liked the 1998 Voge Cornas VV, a little brett and lots of spice. Someone told me the Jamet was the better Cote Rotie, but I don’t think there was such a thing, I think they were referring to the 1997 Jasmin Cote-Rotie. Which I liked, but I personally gave edge to the 1997 Ogier Cote-Rotie. A very good bottle of 1990 Ch. de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape had the funk, but not at all overwhelming, with good rich backbone of fruit.
A sidetrip to the Levant and Bordeaux
When it’s on, the 1991 Ch. Musar is one of my favorite bottles of Musar. This one was on, with just a hint of volatility, great fruit and depth. I’ve long been a fan of the 1990 La Louviere, and this did nothing to change my mind.
US Reds
The 2012 Edmunds St John Rocks and Gravel was lovely if young. I had intended to double-decant the 1993 Edmunds St John Durell Syrah beforehand, but time had interfered, so it was tight on opening, but with some time in decanter it showed quite nicely. A 1995 Phelps Insignia was nice in a plump style, while a 1985 Beringer was mature and rich, though it seemed to get a bit pruney in my glass. The 2012 Rhinestones (Bow and Arrow) is a PN/Gamay blend, to me tastes more of latter, reminds me of Loire PN, leafy, fresh, green, bright, prickly. Good picnic wine
The 1979 Olga Raffault Picasses Chinon was ethereal, elegant, fragrant, and pretty.
A 1996 Rinaldi Barolo was very tight early, opened up- very earthy. I know I missed an Amarone and a Sagrantino, plus I remember seeing a Felsina Chianti without any memory of tasting it.
Not really notes as much as observations, but certainly one of the higher success rates of any larger gathering I've been too. The food and the company were off the charts. Fun night.