One new note, one from the backlog here, but I put them together because they are both Chards, and both from the same cellar.
First, from the holidays, a wine I was expecting very little from, that proceeded to floor me.
Edna Valley Vineyard, Chardonnay, Edna Valley 1992
Very healthy color: rich golden yellow with hints of green, no browning! Low key but excellent nose, rich but still quite fresh, with orange, pineapple, stone fruits, mature fruitcake-isn notes, and butterscotch. Similar notes on the palate: fresh, tart, rich orange peel, sweet pineapple and citron, fleshy plum and apricot, brown spices, lots of mineral and nice butterscotch notes, all overlaid with mature, burnished notes (but not overly so), with nice notes of fresh-milled oak. Full bodied, with big, tart, driving acidity, and an excellent, rich, sweet-tart texture. Huge surprise here, incredibly fresh and not at all over the hill, and really quite excellent. I love the fresh, rich, tart citrus character. Can probably hold at this level for 3 - 5 years more. Wonderful, impressive stuff. 3.5 Stars. [1/3/16]
From this afternoon, a second taste of what was five years ago the best white Burg I've ever had. The cork pushed in on this bottle though, and so I wonder if, even though the fill level was perfect and there was no sign of seepage, the seal wasn't quite as good, thus why the bottle was not as expressive or fresh as previously.
Pierre de Champvigne, Les Folatieres 1er Cru, Puligny-Montrachet 1993
My second tasting of this, previous bottle in 2011. Perfect fill level. Remarkably youthful color, medium golden yellow, with green reflections. The nose and palate are closed and tight at first (not untypical for the older Pulignys I’ve experienced); has to get close to room temperature before it starts to fully open; continues to become fresher with air almost to the end of the bottle. Low key but aromatic nose, with good depth. On the nose and palate, prominent notes of oak and cashew/hazelnut, with citrus upfront, followed by stone fruits (peach, apricot, nectarine), lots of pineapple, with floral nectar notes, a hint of stone, and a finish of spicy (white pepper) mineral, all with mature burnished notes and butterscotch. Very full bodied, with a rich texture and good density, although it is slightly raw and aggressive. Excellent quality; same basic personality a bottle from 5 years ago, but less expressive and harmonious, and behaving almost more like a Meursault than a Puligny (although the textbook Puligny notes are there). All the quibbles aside, this is quite a treat, and showing its age in nice ways. Drink now, but can probably hold at this level for a few more years. 3 Stars [6/12/16]