We gathered at a private home for food and wine and conversation. The theme was magnums but I don't have any large-format bottles in my collection so I took three regular bottles and a 375 ml. Sauternes.
I first opened a 2014 Biecher & Schaal Rosacker Riesling, a Grand Cru from Alsace. I wanted to try it while it was still chilled upon arrival. Again a stunning dry Riesling and a stunning value at less than $30.
Another guest opened one of my bottles--I'm not sure if it was the Pavie Macquin or the Littorai Pinot Noir Platt Vineyard but I was able to sample both bottles. The 2012 Littorai Platt Vineyard conveyed cherries and spices (pepper, clove and nutmeg.) I liked it but not as much as I had liked the 2012 Littorai Pivot Vineyard Pinot Noir in August. Another guest brought a magnum of 2012 Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir which I found to have a similar flavor profile to the Platt Pinot--cherries and spices. It was a ruby color with clarity. I wanted to get some more of the Platt to compare side-by-side but the Platt was all gone.
My 2000 Chateau Pavie Macquin, Grand Cru Classe' St. Emilion, Bordeaux was very aromatic and both floral and fruity with cassis notes. It had a long finish. I was happy with it as was the host of the party.
There was a 2010 Torroja del Priorat in magnum--I really liked this Spanish wine but didn't write down the specifics.
A 1980 Dow Vintage Porto was popular. Deep purple with scarlet rim; opaque, smells of the high alcohol content.
I had earlier tried a Bordeaux, Merlot-based from magnum but didn't get specifics.
Food started out with crackers and a variety of cheeses, meats, pate' or terrine, olives, etc.
Later we had brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, potato salad, and choice of cheesecake or pie.