A fun group gathered at Pings Monday night. First dishes out were fried silverfish and clams with black bean sauce
NV Taittinger Prelude
I think this has seen some time in cellar. Tangerine citrusy notes, nectarine, a hint of almond giving off vibes of some cellar time, enjoyable. B+/B
NV Vilmart Rubis Rose (07-07 disgorgement)
A bit of tea to the color, and to the nose (Earl Grey) Cherries, black tea, rye bread, nuts. This was quite interesting, though it might have been tastier a few years ago. B
Quail and squab came somewhere in here I think
2016 Vilmart Coeur de Cuvee
Bright, young, and snappy, this could use some age but I enjoy now. Lovely long chalky finish. A-
NV Valentin Leflaive Avize 16/40 (2016 base, 4.0 g/l dosage)
Blanc de blancs. Attractive floral/citrus nose, nice green apple and lemon on palate but a little light in profile. I liked better later. B/B+
2017 Nathan K Dry Riesling (Finger lakes)
A gift from the restaurant! Citrus and mint, good acids, quite light, finishes a little short and gets a touch of dirt, I think nice enough but maybe getting on. B/B-
Peking duck
2021 Trediberri “Berri” Barolo
Red fruit, rose, anise. Young and sprightly, on the more delicate end of Barolo (if you had asked me Barolo or Barbaresco, definitely would have gone for latter).Think table a bit divided, I was in pro camp. B+
2016 Drouhin Clos de Mouches Beaune 1er
Very young but I think promising, Nice coffee notes over darker fruits, nice balance. For me B for drinking now but lots of potential, glad to see I have some.
2005 Drouhin Clos de Mouches Beaune 1er
Rumors of 2005 1ers drinking well have validity! There’s plenty of structure here, but doesn’t feel tight. Black cherry, mocha, incense, orange zest. Fresh, tangy, and complex. A-
2002 Drouhin Clos de Mouches Beaune 1er
Nice red and black cherry, herbs, forest floor. Doesn’t have the zip I remember from last bottle (or compared to the 2005). At least one person thinks oxidated, but I don’t get that, but not showing as well as the best bottles. B/B+
hot pot short ribs with Chinese broccoli, pork belly, snow peas
2012 Morot La Bataillère aux Vergelesses" Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er
New vineyard to me, I’ve liked some older Morots and I’m trying to like this, but there’s not a lot of there there. This is red wine! Round red cherry, flat finish B-/C+
1999 Drouhin Chambolle-Musigny 1er
I’ve always liked this wine and tonight is no exception. Black cherry and raspberry, spice, sandalwood, silky texture. Long and complex. A-
2024 Le Temps des Cerises (Axel Prufer)
Languedoc VdF. I didn’t write anything down but got a bit of VA, hightoned, some think glou glou I’m more no no. Someone thought mousey but that I didn’t get. B-
Fish (fluke? ) two ways , followed (eventually) by crab fried rice
NV Bruno Paillard Blanc de Noirs
Not a fan at first but I liked as it warmed a tad. Citrus and peach, got more expressive. B+/B
Fun night, fun crowd
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.