A terrific lunch yesterday for some dear friend’s daughter’s 18th birthday. Some very fine 2008’s made their way onto the table.
2008 Pol Roger Champagne Vintage Brut: From Magnum this is motoring along brilliantly. Aromas of baked bread, chalk and some mildly exotic fruits (think pineapple and mango). The palate is deep, rich and creamy. It is layered with flavour and supported by the piercing acidity of the vintage. Great drive and balance and length to burn.
2008 Peter Lehmann Riesling Wigan: A little toast and smoky development. Intense lemon fruit. Compact and linear, rich yet contained. Gently talcy. Sharp and cuts like a vinous knife. Great presence and mouthfeel and incredible length. Great wine.
2008 Domaine Hubert Lamy Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Clos de la Chateniere Blanc : From double Magnum this was superb. Pours out with a pale appearance. Has a nose of fresh lemon, flint, aniseed and white mushroom. The plate is still relatively strict. Citrus notes abound. It has such great drive and presence and mineral and citrus notes reverberate on the extremely long finish.
2008 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir: Under screwcap this is very fresh but also showing a hint of earthy development. Ripe dark cherry at its core. Rich and velvety, layered and voluminous. Some rhubarb and root vegetables giving savoury dimension. Very persistent.
2008 Gaja Barolo Dagromis: Drinking really well. Indian spices, bitter chocolate, tar and balsamic greets the nose. The palate is complex, savoury and engaging. It is showing some leather and truffle development and there’s plenty of chew to the savoury finish. It has good presence and excellent length.
2008 Yalumba The Signature: Pours out a deep and youthful purple and the wine has barely evolved. It has intense cassis fruit, some milk chocolate, tobacco and mint. It is full and fleshy and has a touch of vanilla spice. There’s moderate chew and a finish that is energetic and long.