An old Wine friend who lives in Sacramento was going to a wedding in CT, came to dinner at our place. A nice group gathered to welcome him.
We started with cheese, smoked bay scallops, and charcuterie, with the NV Rare Wine Company Le Mesnil Champagne. I had found this after John was doing an article on aging NV Champagne, realized this would have fit the theme. I haven’t bought from Rare since they stopped shipping to NY about 7 years ago, so this is probably 2015 or earlier disgorgement. Bread dough, apple, toasted nuts, bright BdB. B+/B
2010 Keller Abtserde Grosses Gewachs
My initial reaction was “Electric KoolAid Acid Test”. Truly electric acids (2010!) , yet so full and fine that it is impeccably balanced. Rounds in glass, lovely mix of citrus, chalk, and green apple. Complex and a finish that won’t quit. A
I grilled some giant prawns and served with maybe the last caprese of the season
2016 Envinate Taganan Blanco
This was a little grumpy and reticent, but solid broad flavors of orange peel and lemon. B
2021 Tiberio "Fonte Canale" Trebbiano d'Abruzzo
Very young, but bright and exciting, Citrus, pit fruit, and almonds. Give some time, but still pleasant. B+ for now, A potential.
Next up were the first reds- I told everyone 1998 Pomerol, but made them guess the wine,
#1 - First guess was Conseillante, but they got around to Evangile in a few guesses. Black plum, cassis, herbs and cigar ash. Young but with developed complexity. 1998 L’Evangile A-/B+
#2 - black fruits, green herbs, tobacco leaf. No one got estate, but most liked a lot. 1998 Bourgneuf B+
Betsy had made beef stew and salad. Rest of wines weren’t blind
1982 Certan de May
Black cherry, plum, mocha. Lovely midweight with long toasty finish. B+/A-
1982 Canon
Great showing, lively acid, resolved tannin, dark fruit with menthol/eucalyptus. A-
1971 Canon
Tangy , black and red currant, a little nutty note. No hurry. B+/B
1953 Canon
Just absolutely lovely. Sweet cassis and black cherry, pipe tobacco, saddle leather, Long and complex, gets better and better. A/A-
1949 Canon
Nose is a bit lifted, too volatile for some, redder fruit, leather, plenty of life and I quite enjoyed. B+/B
1994 Kracher Zwischen den Seen Scheurebe Beerenauslese (375)
Orange marmalade, sweet and empty, low acid. This is a Crock-er of S#$% (though not bretty)
C/C+
Fun fun 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.