Notes on a blind tasting dinner:
2014 Gaston Chiquet Champagne Special Club Brut - the nose reminded me of brioches just out of the oven and it was clean on palate with creamy mouth feel and dry finish.
2016 M. Chapoutier Hermitage Blanc Chante-Alouette - lovely marsanne with light amber colour and lemony overtones, and an interesting nuttiness in midpalate, long clean finish.
2015 Martin's Lane Winery Pinot Noir Simes Vineyard - a hard to find and expensive BC Pinot that behaved more like a syrah. Red, fairly dark, spicy berry nose, plus a hint of ground nutmeg, and a lengthy finish. Likely at peak now.
1983 Ch. Canon - brought out the big 'guns' with this high caliber St. Emilion. We seldom see this locally. It took a few minutes to open up in the nse and then presented a very pleasant amalgam of violets. leather and a bit of cedar. Fully mature now and a vintage I enjoyed but drank up while leaving my 82 to age further.
1998 Domaine du Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Laurence - I love this wine (and am down to my last bottle). Lovely ripe berry nose, a silky feel in the mouth and and smooth fruit on palate - fully mature now but hanging in there. When I did a Pegau vertical some years ago, I snuck this one in and it was the favourite.
2001 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey - deep golden colour, and a nose of coconut and honey with an apricot underlay. In a good place and as good as it will get but no rush.