Some good news for my better half and me in our careers so we had a small celebratory dinner at Jade Palace. My first time and won’t be my last - excellent food (although a little pricey), and excellent service.
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2013 Domaine Taupenot-Merme Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru La Combe d’Orveau - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru (14/8/2022)
Was worried that this wouldn’t be ready but need not have worried, I do like lighter vintages like 2013 that do not need as much time as more structured vintages to unfurl. Textbook Chambolle elegance, this had a deep and sensual red-fruited nose. Some tart acidity at the forefront but had excellent balance with pure red fruit, silky tannins reminiscent of a good Chinese tea. Persistent, mineral finish. Just a wine that exuded class and I enjoyed the opportunity to follow this wine over the course of the meal - I think sometimes such contemplative and regal wines get overshadowed at big wine dinner. (94 pts.)
Casual dinner at a recently opened restaurant by a friend.
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2010 Clos du Jaugueyron Margaux “Nout” - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux (13/8/2022)
My contribution - most guessed Italy because of the sweetness. Definitely a larger-scaled, riper Bordeaux with red cherry and strawberry fruit. From younger vines and sees more new oak apparently but still felt like it was traditionally made with little make-up. Very clean for a supposedly natural wine. Drinking very youthfully. (89 pts.) -
2012 Savaterre Pinot Noir - Australia, Victoria, North East, Beechworth (13/8/2022)
Got this one completely wrong unfortunately. Excellent ringer for a Burgundy, thought this was a 06/08 Gevrey or Pommard. Lots of earthy and forest floor aromas, oak regiment similar to an old-school Burgundy producer. A muscular and dark-fruited wine, quite tertiary surprisingly for a screwcap. (89 pts.) -
2009 Louis Jadot Morgon Côte du Py Château des Jacques - France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Morgon (13/8/2022)
Wow almost got this spot on - guessed it to be Bojo around 10 years old, and when pressed for the village I thought Morgon with the structure. Sour cherry notes that is typical of Gamay, some firm acidity on the mid-palate and a hint of alcohol burn on the finish. Developed a lot sweetness with air. (88 pts.)