Great to see this tradition continuing. A very fine assortment of beverages with controlled crowds, atleast that I can attest to during the first 2 hours. Despite what seemed like an unusually strong line-up, I couldn’t quite shake a certain melancholy knowing there’d be no catching a glimpse of a Joe D tete-a-tete.
Domaine de la Pepiere. Oh yes, 2010 Gras Moutons, Clos des Briords and the 09 Clisson. So hard to go wrong here. Buy the Gros Moutons to drink now. Give the Briords a year or two, and sit on the Clisson for atleast 4 - 5.
Domaine du Closel. I’m just not a ripe Savenierres Papillon fan, no matter who makes it. Her 2010 La Jalousie is a winner. Great florality and an intriguing herbal edge. Elegant.
Francois Pinon. I was SO wrong about the 09’s based on last year’s sips. They’ve come around beautifully. I have no idea how the acidity emerged wonderfully in both the Cuvee Tradition (it’ll be called Trois Argiles in 2010, same as in France) and the Silex. I’m a buyer of both. Great intensity to the NV Non-Dose, although a year to integrate a bit more wouldn’t hurt. Unctuous and still way too young, was the 2005 Cuvee Botrytis. Francois suggested it will outlive us all.
Puzelat. I completely fell for the bracing jubilance of the 2010 Tue-Boeuf Touraine le Brin de Chevre (Menu Pineau). Nice showing for the Pinot, and the Cot needs 5 years minimum. The 2010 Telquel was off-list and my fav of the reds. Food friendly, middle weight and great purity.
Filliatrau. A second glimpse of the 09 Saumur-Champigny Grande Vignolle and I’m still pleased to own a few with no need to hurry. They’re becoming accessible now and still improving.
Baudry. I found some of the 09s a bit too ripe. The 2010 Grezeaux was scrumptious. Pretty, bright and almost Burg-like. Irresistible.
Brun. Mr. Brun was still in transit but his wines showed up fine. The 2010 Blanc showed a touch round (especially after Puzelat!). I fell for the 2010 Brouilly - crisp, bright, accessible, elegant and classic. Honorable mention to the ‘10 Morgon with its terroir driven meatiness.
Descombes. The ‘10 Regnie was winning me over until the slight horsiness triggered memories of some of his son’s farm-y efforts. The ‘10 Morgon showed great typicity and fine balance.
Desvignes. The ‘10 Morgon La Voute St. Vincent is lovely, fruit forward and ready. The ‘10 Javernieres needs 5 years. It’s big, rich, tannic and will some day completely fool a Burghead in a blind line-up.
Coudert. The ‘10’s are home run to my palate. Plain or Tardive, makes no difference. Drink the regular Fleurie any time, but give the Tardive atleast 3 - 4 years.
Texier. Eric claimed to be spend his time in the vineyard and talked about doing almost nothing to make the wine. Well, nobody made an outrageous 2010 Saint-Joseph La Croix VV which was probably my wine of the tasting. Amazing purity, clean and beautiful reddish fruit. Really enjoyed the affordable CdR and even more, the 2009 CdR Seguret VV…which could use a year or two.
Radikon. Very consistent. All 05s - Oslavje, Ribolla Gialla and Jakot. I’m slowly accepting the oddity of the style. The Jakot (Tokay) was probably my fav.
Bera. Ms. Bera was quite charming and she won me over with the purity of the ‘09 Barbera D’Asti Ronco Malo and the pretty, easygoing ‘10 Moscato D’Asti Canelli.
Montesecondo. The ‘10 Rossa was a very nice quaffer and the 09 Chianti Classico was bright, modestly rich, grippy and satisfying.
Guttarollo. I unfairly turned off my focus here, having too much chewy wine in the cellar. These are very acceptable fuller Primtivos.
Renardat-Fache. Elie Renardat said to drink the 2011 Bugey Cerdon within a year. Consider it done.
RT