More fun and delicious food at Playground Santa Ana last night.
Boys were in town so we did a little Piedmont showdown. The wines were all slow ox’d 12 hours in advance (except the Chablis which I also should have done). A nice showing by all the wines tonight.
2010 Vincent Dauvissat (René & Vincent) Chablis 1er Cru La Forest - France, Burgundy, Chablis, Chablis 1er Cru (8/9/2013)
Hint of sulfur and piercing acidity. The fruit and saline minerality are wonderful. Very high toned and focused. More sweet rich fruit developed as the night progressed. Definitely holding my remaining 3 for a few years before opening the next.
2001 Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (8/10/2013)
Surprisingly not utterly blown away by the Gaja and Giacosa. Very dark and tannic but approachable with the extended slow ox. Dark fruit, spice, and tar on the nose. Palate is rich, full of dark sweet fruit, and some wood. Not in the same class as the Gaja or Giacosa obviously but showed respectably in their company.
1998 Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo Sperss - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC (8/10/2013)
Dark rich fruit, spice, and earth. The palate is silken, rich, and full. Lacking a bit of acid. Very approachable and very different in style from the Giacosa. Very very good. Unlike the Giacosa, I think this is at it’s peak.
1998 Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco Riserva Santo Stefano - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco (8/10/2013)
Wow what a nose. Reminds me of the soaring nose of the 2007 Dujac Exhezeaux from a few nights ago. High toned bright cherry fruit, macerated strawberries, light spice, and floral elegance. Palate has delicious sweet fruit, hint of orange zest, and refreshing acididity that was lacking in the 98 Gaja Sperss. Profound length and finish. Stunning and with room to improve.
Posted from CellarTracker
