.Reception wine was the N/V Chartogne-Taillet Sainte-Anne Brut...dry, short finish, brioche nose. 60% Chard, 40% PN. I posted elsewhere on the Mascarello Barbera..very tasty.
Next up was the `05 Finca Allende Graciano (Rioja). Mint nose, medicinal edge here, thoughtful wine to reflect on, still some tannins, not too well received. The 2009 Quinta do Passadouro Reserva, Douro was much anticipated, almost black in color. 2 hr decant I was told, very young, full-bodied, good tannins. Up to 20 grape varietals!
The 2007 Rudera Platinum Cab Sauv from Stellenbosch was vv good! Cigar box, pencil shavings on the nose, smoked cheese tamed the tannins. My WOTN came next...yup Riesling! 2005 Joh.Jos. Christoffel Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese light lemon in color, very aromatic nose/gasolein/mineral/sweet white stonefruit. Soft, no bracing acidity, nice now. The 2005 Domaine Huet Clos du Bourg Moelleux 1er trie was next (have 2 in the cellar). Clay terroir, hint of funk on the nose, oily. Very soft acidity, "hidden by the sweetness" thought one taster. Great wine to end the evening.