SOBER gathered at Cathleen’s for a lovely tasting (not blind for a change). We started with charcuterie and some Champagne
1996 Lanson Brut
Crisp, spicy, elegant mousse, long. What a nice surprise. A-
Bereche (2012 disgorgement) Brut Reserve
Asian pear, citrus zest, brioche. Long and fine. A-/B+
2010 Antoine Jobard “Tillets” Meursault 1er
The acids are more Chablis-like than Meursault-ish, but that’s not a bad thing. Stony, white fruit and herb notes, big and long. A-
2010 Antoine Jobard “En Barre” Meursault
Funny/funky nose, hint of brett? Nice fruit, some hazelnut B
There was a lovely mushroom stew with a delicious crust
A nice lineup from Domaine des Lambrays
2009 Domaine des Lambrays “Les Loups” Morey St. Denis 1er Cru
Somewhat weird nose (some called pickle juice, not to me, but a little medicinal), a little heat (though early picked), not my fave. B-
2009 Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays
Ripe but not overripe, could use more zip but tasty. B
2010 Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays
Young but well-balanced, fresh , bright, spicy red fruits, will be very good. B+/A-
2005 Domaine des Lambrays “Les Loups” Morey St. Denis 1er Cru
Not as elegant/focused as the GC, red fruits, earth. B+/B
2005 Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays
A bit tight, but you can see a real beauty underneath. Red and black cherries, earth,a little mocha. Long and delicious. A-
Boeuf bourguignon, yum
2000 Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays (mag)
Lovely and ready, spicy and long. Drinking quite well (though it got better in glass). A-/B+
1999 Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays
This may have suffered from transport, seemed grumpy next to the ‘00, a bit muddled. Solid wine underneath I think B
Some cheeses
1989 Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays
Pretty, elegant in a high toned style. B+/A-
1988 Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays
Sturdy, young, a little rustic but I enjoyed. B+
1983 Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays
Comparatively tired, though it actually got better in glass. A little VA, brown sugar, but some solid cranberry fruit. B/B-
Nice lineup. Cathleen passed some cookies and a dessert wine
1978 Cazes Rivesaltes
Nuts, Christmas spices, pungent. B
Great night
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C drinkable. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice.Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.