90s wine dinner

WINE TALK
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42

I like underdogs too. I think, if you like it and think it has something to offer, serve them blind. A fun way to start the evening.

For the Brugs: I’m ok with off vintages so the Fourrier will be a good wine to try. I just wouldn’t open the 99 mag right now. It’s not going to show and you should just open it later. If you said “I’ve got 10 of these and want to try it” then open it but have something in reserve in case you get the itch for something singing (like 93 Rousseau CSJ or a MG Ruchottes Chambertin)

43

Great idea on serving the first flight as a blind. Perhaps I will hold the mag if I can find a worthy successor.

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44

Personally, I only ever drink 1999 Allemand Reynard alongside the Sans Soufre and with the Verset, I could take or leave the Juge. If you’re serious about understanding it, you need context.

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45

Agree with context and overwhelmingly would choose Verset

46

I mean, if you don’t have all three, you might as well have none. Everything is source-able.

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47

Then I’ll go with the Verset - ‘99?

48

I found 91, 97, and 98 easily.

49

I was also offered Fonsalette 1990 if that would be acceptable. But I hear Verset so that’s what I’ll seek out.

50

My question about leatherbound wine log is how often will you have to have it updated?

51

I’d probably update it once a month. I usually get at least a half case of everything I purchase and if I have one left of something I can always veto until I get more. The cool thing is I won’t have to manually update but rather reprint the book when I feel the need for it as it will be based off a spreadsheet controlled by the wine consultant. There’s always a black sharpie for the dead soldiers but I’m more worried about it keeping pace with my buying habits! I tabbed 228 bottles (not counting the wines for the 90s wine dinner) in September but I’m probably missing some I bought in person or through friends.

52

Yeah my thought was mainly about things you would be adding.

53

Thankfully they’ll be managing the cellar tracker so as long as I send in all my acquisitions I’ll be ok. If anyone wants to help me log them a free dinner at the inn at little wahsington awaits!!

54

Christian,

That looks like an incredible lineup of wines that ought to impress professionals and nat-curious folks alike. I would offer two suggestions. First, swap out that Philipponnat for some Clos des Goisses LV - looks like the 94 is at Acker retail for $500… at least give the DP a contender.

Second, putting that Ludes (old school dryish Auslese that’s going to need some air) up against the Clos St. Hune (a seriously dry wine in a ripe vintage) is going to do a serious disservice to both wines. You’ll see the flaws in both wines instead of them pulling toward a common goal. I would swap the Ludes out for something from FX Pichler, Hirtzberger or Nikolaihof so you could compare the CSH to top notch dry Riesling from Austria.

Thanks,

Zachary

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55

This is super helpful. Let me see what I can conjure up on all these fronts. Excited to see if what I can do to strengthen this list. Thanks!!

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56

Christian,

Looks like 97 Nikolaihof Vinothek Riesling is $222 at Marty’s in Newton MA. That’s what I’d go for if you want to swap out the Ludes.

Thanks,

Zachary

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57

Thanks. I was also offered ‘90 Cristal so perhaps that would be a fun blind pairing with the ‘90 DP?

58

A friend opened a 1990 Cristal with us a couple months back. It was absolutely stunning, and he noted the storage conditions weren’t anything worth writing home about.

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59

Lol

Even if true.

F U on Juge. I’ll likely open 99 Cuvée C on the 11th. Make a visit mon frere. If you commit, I have time to pull Verset.

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60

I have updated my list for this based on feedback and what I was able to find today.

1 - served blind

1990 DP
1990 Cristal

2

1990 Rayas Blanc

3

1997 Trimbach Clos St. Hune
working on sourcing another top dry Alsatian

4

1990 Verset
1999 Allemand Reynard

5

1997 Chateau D’Yquem

I will hold the red burgs for another day. Another reason to bring down number of bottles is that my wine nerd friends are planning on bringing 90s bottles of their own - so we’ll see what they bring to the table! I still might pull out the 94 Ludes - I also have about a dozen 94 spatleses if there is a use for it. Either way, I’m going to bring a few of these for the staff. I’m also hopeful that the restaurant is able to source some 90s Musar so don’t want to go overboard.

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61

Sounds like a nice plan!

D’Yquem is 750ml, correct?

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