Haven’t posted tasting notes in god knows how long, as a very long holiday season and then a hectic schedule followed by a cold in January left with me little to comment on. I decided to find some things to talk about in the last few days, and did quite well.
Claude Dugat Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru 1999- I’ve always felt that this was one of the great underrated wines of Burgundy, as the producer is able to coax everything from these 2 terroirs and make them work together. UNREAL aromatics of rich berries, forest floor, crazy melange of herbs, and hand made cherry cola (not that store bought junk, but the classic NJ diner, hand mixed, real soda, cherry cola). The palate had incredible depth and richness (something Claude can seem to elicit in even the coolest of vintages), with dramatic length and balance on the pure and fine grain finish. Still has loads of time left, but too hard to put down now. WOW.
Lillian Syrah 2008- I was a bit disappointed as I’ve been an avid fan and drinker of these since the beginning. The only dog in the group to me has been the 2006 regular, as it’s a bit lacking in the mid-palate, and doesn’t have the WOW of the others, but I know that was a tough, tough year for all in the CC. This one was just crazy simple. Kind of one hit wonder, and the nose didn’t bowl me over either (I drink this the slowest of all the wines I own, it just smells like the best of Piedmont and Northern Rhone all at once). I wonder if this one was off? Judgment reserved, as Maggie kicks ass and this is my only mailing list wine, and will remain so forever.
Dujac Morey St Denis Montsluisants Blanc 2008- (disclosure, I sell this). Sweet Jesus, this is GREAT. Lipsmacking acidity, with great roundness and richness. The wine took quite a bit of time to open, but once it rounded out, the smokey and fresh nose matted well to the super minerally and some what fat, but well checked texture. An incredible Chablis replacement, this was a real eye opener.
Michel Ogier Cote Rotie Belle Helene 1995- This was heaven, and flipped out everyone at the table too. Super, super deep aromatics with the whole herb cabinet, roasted meats, powerful fruit and wonderful floral notes are totally captivating, with a powerful, and unctuous palate that is balanced and super pure. Loads of clean fruit mixed with Provence-like minerality and tremendous depth. Short of the Lalas, this may be the best wine in Cote Rotie. A 1999 I had 2 months ago was a bit closed on the palate, but promises to blow this out of the water.