My plan for last few years was to have a big 60th party, to use up some of my magnums. COVID killed that idea. So we had a pair of couples over for outside dinner last night with regular sized bottles.
Canapes (smoked salmon with brown butter, carrot romesco/radish, tonnato/radish, finocchiona, smoked ricotta)
1997 Laurent-Perrier “Grand Siecle Cuvee Alexandra” Rose Champagne
Plenty of fizz left, soft acids, elegant mousse. Strawberry cream and bricoje, some light citrus zest notes. Good length. B+
Japanese lobster salad (soy/ponzu/chili/shiso)
1985 Laville Haut Brion
Darker color than another recent bottle, and some light nutty oxidative notes, but good acids and freshness. Pears and pit fruits with a little almond and coconut. B+
2010 F. Carillon “Combetttes” Puligny-Montrachet 1er
Others were more into the Bdx blanc, but this was singing to me. Pear, hazelnut, & citrus, long minerally finish, classic. A-
Steak (not the ones I wanted- grrr), winter squash with pomegranate, heirloom tomato salad
1989 Pichon Baron
Great showing, rich cassis fruit framed by supple tannins and moderate acids, some leather and cigar smoke. Long ferric finish. Young but totally delicious. A-
1960 Beaulieu Vineyards “Georges de Latour” Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Incredible fill for a wine my age, just into neck. Best bottle I’ve had (others had decent high shoulder fills). Back has big lettering “Made Exclusively with Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes” (this was when that was a rarity in CA) but I’d never have guessed that if blind. Fruit is solidly in red spectrum - cherry and cranberry. But shockingly lively, sweet red fruit and herbs holds on for hours. B+/B
1973 Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon
Modest fruit, some barnyard, decent wine that’s holding on but blown away by other reds. B-
Great cheese plate brought by Alex and Hilary
1960 Warre Vintage Porto
From 375 ml. I think most Port lovers would find this too light, but to me it was delightful and elegant. Spiced cherries, toffee, leather. Nice length, even though it is light-bodied. Not recommended for those looking for power, but for me A-/B+
I got pretty lucky with the wines. Nice night (we used patio heater but on low) with great people. As we were cleaning up we cracked up at a pastiche of “Bohemian Rhapsody” done with lyrics for my birthday by some friends (recorded from 5 different locations in one take). I am now hoping to have a big 61st bash.
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.