Yesterday it was my turn to host the Tucson Lunch Bunch. When it’s at my place it’s known as the “Trailer Park Tasting”. I had some issues leading up to this. First, Pima County recently condemned my 10’x60’ Fleetwood and made me remove it from the pad here in the park. I was able to get the torch out and cut off the school bus I’d welded to the Fleetwood and converted into a shrine dedicated to Dale Earnhardt before they towed it away, but it fell off the cinder blocks I had it jacked up with so I had no choice but to host this tasting in my Coleman Pop-up camper. I had the family leave for the day and tied up my two German Shepherds outside. It was crowded and Jon was mad since he had to sit on the sink. I’d planned on some Banquet Fried Chicken to accompany our lunch; however Wal-Mart was sold out. Sorry.
We began with three 2006 Champagnes, Henriot Millésimé, Gosset Grande Millésimé and Taittinger Comte. The Henriot was lovely with a peachy aroma and a crisp, well balanced feel from beginning to end. I thought the Gosset a bit yeasty for my palate. Certainly a nice glass of bubbles but following the Henriot it suffered IMO. The Comte is flat out wonderful. This was the fourth bottle I’ve opened and it still amazes me with its near perfection. So much more full bodied and complete than the others. A long life ahead and I’m a happy man to have twelve more on deck. Note to self: Stop drinking the Comte, save some because they will age wonderfully. Did I mention the Henriot is delish? Well it is.
I had to come up with something to replace the chicken so I decided to do Raclette. We fired up the little grill on the table and I served boiled potatoes with Speck, Finocchiona, Capacolo, Prosciutto, dry salami, mushrooms sautéed in butter with garlic, red and yellow bell peppers, pickled onion, cornichons, bagette and of course, cheese. Traditional Raclette, Pecorino Tartufo and Prairie Breeze Cheddar. A decent substitute for the Banquet Fried Chicken I guess? So on to the reds.
Six blind Pinot Noir based wines in two flights of three each. My theme was 2006, of course I did not fess up any info because I like to see these guys squirm. First wine was Freddy Mugnier Chambolle Village. A lot of guesses pointing at Oregon here. It was full of cherry cola and I can see the connection. Next up was a favorite of mine, Fourrier Combe aux Moines 1er. Red fruited and showing well this was my fave of the flight. Last up was another Freddy Mugnier, NSG Clos de la Marechale. Firm and structured as one would from NSG, showed its origin and I thought it quite satisfying.
Next flight began with another fave of mine the Jadot Clos Saint Jacques. I was disappointed with this 2006, a bit clunky not showing any of the fireworks I get from this bottling in other vintages (2002 and 2010 for example) The next wine made up for it though, Tortochot Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru. Damn I like this wine. It is old school and structured showing a purity of fruit and a firm lingering finish. Yum. The last red was the Mugneret Gibourg Ruchottes Chambertin. Great fruit, really open and friendly right now. Nice wine, but I’ll take three of the Tortochot CC for the price of one of these any day.
As for the rot problem in 2006? I did not get any sense of this. The Jadot CSJ underperformed and the other five were quite pleasant.
We finished up with some really fine locally made Biscotti and a bottle of Donnafugatta Ben Rye’ Passito di Pantelleria. This is a dessert wine made like Vin Santo from Muscat of Alexandria or Zibibbo as it is known in Sicily. I love this wine! Apricots, apricots and more apricots with a touch of petrol-esque turpentine (in a good way) finishing tart and fresh. Oh yes, another glass please!
Until next time, reporting from the trailer park, DP