88 Beaucastel, 98 Beau VV Blanc, Clos du Caillou Reserve, etc

Brief impressions from our CdP themed dinner at Christianne’s. A dinner whose genesis was my leaving a bottle of CdP at Christianne’s on New Years Eve.


N.V. Agrapart & Fils Champagne Les 7 Crus Blancs de Blancs Brut - Al brought this bottle of bubbly to get things kickstarted. Tasted while I was prepping the dungeness crab stuffed mushroom. Terrific bubbly - citrus and toast, very crisp with a nice chalky minerality. 90/100

Next up with the crab stuffed mushrooms and Christianne’s ultra delicious salt cod brandade…

1998 Beaucastel Blanc Vielles Vignes
The Beau obviously fairly dark in color but still fairly lively. Nice nose of honey, almonds and a little citrus. More of the same on the palate with a little bit of sherry. Nice and fairly silky texture. I liked it 90/100

2008 Vieux Telegraphe La Crau CdP Blanc - much lighter in color than the Beau and a little more lively. Citrus, honeysuckle, tropical fruit almond and white flowers. Really enjoyable and seemingly in a pretty good place for my tastes 92/100

2009 Roger Perrin CdP Blanc - nice somewhat similar profile to the VT but lighter and a couple notches below. This would be a terrific $20 wine but at $30+ I wouldn’t buy again. Pear, citrus, almond and a little white chocolate all in a fairly light but not quite thin package. 86-87/100

Next up a couple of Rouge with the sous vide lamb (Douglas) and the scallops crusted with chorizo with a little chorizo oil on the plate (Christianne)

1988 Beaucastel Rouge
Al brought this and we were in for a treat. Cork came out in two pieces but with very little cork sediment left behind. Very, very clean bottle and drinking beautifully. Red fruits, licorice, a little herb/spice, silky smooth texture and medium length finish. No way I would have guessed this to 23 year old wine. Awesome 94/100

2004 Le Clos du Caillou Châteauneuf-du-Pape Domaine du Caillou Reserve
After the Beau, this seemed rather ordinary and simple. Nice red fruits, some lavendar and spice with nice mouthfeel and balance. Nice but nothing more.

So nice to hear that the 88 is still showing well. I bought a half case at auction in the late 90s and have one bottle remaining. It was always silky: It went down easy!