I had a pretty lucky night. I got the country/region/varietal correct for 7/8. Was lucky enough to pin down one producer (SQN) and one Vineyard (Richebourg). But I am quite off when it comes to identify vintages…
Wine 1: 2003 Michel Niellon Batard-Montrachet
Guessed: The oak just jumps out of glass. My initial thought is something like Kistler, Aubert or some other new world Chardonnay like quite a few people on the table. But I remember for high end chardonnay, I always assume the more oaky one is Cali Chardonnay in blind which is always wrong. I have no idea what to put down, but I once blinded 2011 Meursault Les Pucelles from Lafon as Aubert, so I just went with that.
Wine 2: 2003 Michel Niellon Chevalier-Montrachet
Guessed: I am pretty sure it is burgundy, but can’t really pin down where. I just wrote down 2007 Puligny Montrachet.
Wine 1/Wine 2 are really eye opening. The Chevalier is so much soft and a bit fragile, it is like a completely different wine from Batard Montrachet.
Wine 3: 1985 DRC Richebourg
Guessed: The nose is outstanding and unquestionable Burgundy. Went with Vosne-Romanée and figured it must be a Grand Cru. Guessed Richebourg. I wrote down 1999 Richeboug. I feel this one lucky guess gave me the edge over other participants… Now reflecting on this, 1999 doesn’t make sense at all, as the palate doesn’t match the nose and is a bit fragile. Should have guessed a older vintage.
Wine 4: 1983 Lafleur
Guessed: I always say Nebbiolo is something I can always pick out in blind, but then I always get it wrong in a more “high stake” environment. I thought the fruit profile make this either pinot or nebbiolo, but the tannin put me on the 1990 Barolo which couldn’t be more wrong. This was a really interesting bottle. Would love to drink it again…
Wine 5: 2010 Groffier Bonnes Mares
Guessed: This was another Red Burg with a nice sweet juicy profile. I just wrote down 2007 Red Burg, not sure why I didn’t go with Chambolle Musigny.
Wine 6: 2004 Margaux
Guessed: I got some nice soft fruit, but it is Bordeaux for sure. I went back and forth between Cab Blend vs Merlot Blend. That should gave me the hint it is Margaux but I wrote down 1995 Pauillac. It didn’t impress me though, a bit disappointed.
Wine 7: 1997 Bryant Family
Guessed: There is a sweetness here that quickly remind me one of bigger Napa cab. I went with 1995 Opus One, so this is actually a pretty close call. (Richeboug is mostly luck honestly).
Wine 8: 2004 SQN Poker Face
Guessed: I knew this is a over-the-top Syrah, can totally be an Australian shiraz. But, felt SQN is a safer bet, I went with 2005 SQN, so this was a pretty good call as well.
The dinner wines are also amazing, just feel there were too many good ones and there is not enough time to really contemplate them all.
The 77 JJ Prum Auslese (don’t remember which bottle) that ends the night was quite wonderful.
Looking forward to see everyone next year and I will take more detailed notes next time to force myself to really appreciate all the fantastic wines.