2009 Chateau de Beaucastel
2015 Domaine de la Charbonniere Les Hautes Brusquieres
2016 Domaine de la Janasse Vielles Vignes
2016 Domaine du Pegau
2018 Domaine St. Prefert Collection Chares Giraud
A 2nd 4 Asses + 4 Glasses is in the books and it was quite a successful event!
First off the Parlor House bistro is a hidden gem! The ambiance and service were well above average, the menu quite Francophile in selections.
Every entree ordered at our table was thought to be delicious! Many orders for the Duck Confit which was crispy and salty on the outside, juicy and flavorful on the inside.
Also, the starters of lamb meatballs and the baguettes with orange butter are not to be missed.
The wines did not disappoint either.
Not a single bad wine in the lineup.
I was a fan of the Domaine St. Prefert which by the way is no longer a label or a wine as of 2020 since the winery was sold to new owners in 2002 who discontinued that single vineyard bottle for a combined wine sourced from 3 parcels. It is definitely a big, New World style wine best with a juicy steak. Big palate of black cherries and plums. 60% grenache, 40 Mouvedre.
I didn’t take any notes on the Charboniere but I recall liking it for the same reasons as the St. Prefert. It only got one 2nd place vote.
The Janasse seemed to be really way too young, with a very lean palate. Mature cherries, violets and herbs were in my notes. It did improve with some air time and received many 2nd place votes for its more reserved Old World style.
The Pegau was liked by many for its earthy, barnyard notes. For me it was a bit of a disappointment at this stage compared to other Pegau bottles I’ve had. I noted lots of tar and olives. It scored 3 first place votes in its flight. It finished as the Runnerup Wine of the Night.
The 2009 Beaucastel impressed everyone! Terrific balance, complexity and blance. The clear winner for the entire group. And exhibits how a bottle right in its window from a great producer can be quite rewarding and a wonderful experience wine for those with the patience to cellar----or take a chance on a winebid auction. Wine of the Night! Thanks Steve!
—your wine steward
