DanS and I got together with a couple of veteran local wine merchants and an old friend to share some cellar treasures:
1985 Hermitage Rouge, J. L. Chave
Mature brick-red color. Abundant, complex aromas of classic Hermitage--red fruits, smoke. In the mouth, a superb mixture of power and grace. Tannin and acidity fully resolved, no rough edges, just pleasure. A glorious finish. A great wine from a great producer in a great year. If you're lucky enough to have some, now's the time to drink it. Triple Curly with an extra Woo! Woo! Woo!
1989 Hermitage Rouge, J. L. Chave
The notes for the 1985 apply to this wine, too, except that the 1989 tastes distinctly younger. As I recall, 1989 produced bigger and more forceful wines in the Northern Rhone than 1985 did, and I think that shows here. I'd give it a few more years. Triple Curly with an extra Woo! Woo!
1995 Musigny Vielles Vignes, de Vogue
Looking at it, you'd never mistake this for a young wine, but you'd never guess it is 25 years old, either. Very complex pinot noir aromas of berry fruit greet you from the glass. It has the elegance and power one expects from a grand cru Burgundy, but it's a bit on the grumpy side and there's a bit of abrasive acidity there. It's enjoyable now but still opening up and could use another ten years. Double Curly Moe.
2005 Cote-Rotie, Rene Rostaing
I think this was the Cuvee Classique bottling. Dark brick color. Abundant and complex floral aromas combine with dark fruit and roasted meat in a classic Cote-Rotie bouquet. Mouth-filling flavors follow the aromas in character. It's too complex, integrated, and enjoyable to try to pick apart. The wine has backbone tannin and acidity, but in a good way--it complements and carries the magnificent fruit. Long, beautiful finish. Enjoyable now and will only get better with more time. Triple Curly.
-Paul W.