Braised rabbit dinner with Jay Sommers. He brought the first wine.
2004 Gros Frere et Soeur Clos Vougeot: wound pretty tight at first with smoky barrel tones dominating. After an hour dark fruits came out and the oak dropped behind them. Dense, rich and very stately. Never would have guessed this being an 04. Long, deep and youthful with very thick tannins providing a great back end that the flavors really stick to. Terrific young Grand Cru.
2004 Domaine de l’Arlot Nuits St. Georges Clos des Forets: Red fruits mingles with some darker ones. Like a bowl of raspeberrries with a few blackberries tossed in. A little herbal but subsided as the wine opened. Fine grain tannins but definitely has that silky Arlot texture. Very nice and in a good spot. Not as in-2004 as the GF&S but not at all bad if you have an appreciation for the vintage.
2002 JF Mugnier Chambolle Musigny: I didn’t know we had one of these left from the case we bought 13 years ago. It’s always been terrific and punched way above it’s weight class. Even in this field it shows very well. Bright red. Impeccable balance. Just a beauty. Pure definition of the village.
2001 Domaine Dujac Clos de la Roche: And…the star of the evening. Just an amazing wine. Youthful and very close to perfection. Everything one could want. Concentration and elegance. Structure and acidity in perfect harmony with the fruit intensity. Just as wonderful as you could hope. Gorgeous.
Not a bad night.
