Last night I had the pleasure of an informal/reduced/unofficial meeting of the TGJP, graciously organized to accommodate my travel itinerary. Of course the wit, charm, food and wine were at the same high level as always.
We started with 2007 Maxime Magnon Corbières La Bégou and some incredibly flaky and delicate Tartelettes à la tomate. The locals have more extensive knowledge of Magnon than I do, and are better qualified to judge it relative to other showings. For me it was a lovely fresh, fine and slightly nutty and oxidative way to commence the festivities.
Moving to the table for successive courses of sliced and spiced squid, polenta with girolles, and the cheese platter with salad, we enjoyed 2001 Jamet Cote Rotie and 1999 Bernard Faurie Hermitage. The wines were exactly as one would expect, both lovely examples of their appellations. A more fragrant nose and more succulent fruit on the Jamet. The Faurie had firmer darker fruit but was entering a stage of harmony and was very easy to drink. It was a great pleasure to have these two wines.
We finished with homemade strawberry sorbet and plenty of conversation.