A nice group gathered at Pings (I was a few minutes late as they decided to convert my 6 to an express). Sole (steamed and fried) with lotus root and snow peas crab fried rice, quail, Peking duck, squid and silverfish, couple of different chicken dishes, beef hot pot, bacon wrapped shrimp
2013 Jean Marc Pillot Caillerets Chassagne-Montrachet 1er
Big, a bit more advanced than I would have hoped, some pear and hazelnut with other nutty notes as well. B
Raul Perez Ultreïa Godello (oops, missed vintage)
I’ve had lots of the Ultreïa red, but my first try of the Godello. Broad and slightly lactic was first impression, but seemed to open up and slim down with an almost Chenin-like waxiness., Citrus and a light almond note. B/B+
2005 Willi Schafer Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spatlese
Fully mature (like most 2005s it seems these days) but very tasty. Citrus and cherries, a creamy texture, clear if not zippy acids, a hint of petrol. Everyone enjoyed, but I wouldn’t hold longer. But for now B+/A-
2016 Dirty and Rowdy Mourvedre Skinner Stoney Creek Vineyard
Neck had broken when opened, so strained into another bottle. Red fruits, spicy, gamebirds. Quite attractive, in a good place, but no hurry B+/A-
1993 Jadot Clos des Ursules Beaune 1er
Signature bright ‘93 nose, red cherries, cocoa, flowers. Rich palate, plenty of structure (tannic and acidic), good length. A-/B+
I didn’t try the 1993 de Montille Pommard (I think Rugiens) as it was declared corked before I got to it.
1998 Dujac Clos de la Roche
Marty felt this might be entering downslope, but to me this is drinking wonderfully in a classic crunchy/stemmy perfumed Dujac style. Black cherry, jasmine, spices. Silky texture, quite long. A-/A
1971 Giscours
Classic Margaux, Giscours was so great back in 70s. Black raspberry fruit, but dominated (nicely) by tertiary aromas of forest floor, cigar smoke, and cedar. Lovely balance. A-/B+
1979 Domaine de Chevalier (mag)
This is an old favorite, and I think I like even more in magnum. Black and red plums, cigarbox, green tobacco leaf, pencil lead. Vibrant and with decades to go in this format. A-
1999 Texier Hermitage
I think the consensus was there was something a bit off about this bottle, though I didn’t get any overt TCA. Red berries, black olives, balanced acids, but with a slightly dull edge and a hint of mustiness. This can be a great bottle, but this one wasn’t, but still found some interest. B
1990 Baumard Savennieres
Big Chenin, wool and apricot, waxy, long if maybe a touch ungainly. B+/B
1983 Ch. d’Yquem
Drinking very well indeed. Orange marmalade, honey, rock candy. Great acids, wonderful mouthfeel. A-
Very fun night. Our table (with twice as many bottles as people) was source of fascination for a nearby table of Chinese men drinking Johnny Walker with their meal.
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 the only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.