Eileen’s brother Peter retired and Eileen threw a heluva dinner.
We started with:
NV Champagne Jean Laurent Brut Blanc de Blancs (disgorged 9/22)
This was a beauty, in just the right place. The aromas were piquant, rather floral with a hint of seckel pear. The mousse was very fine with abundant small bubbles. The flavors did a great job of balancing freshness and yeast, actually veering more towards freshness in the finish. Rated 91.5.
2022 Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc Reserve –
Eileen’s cousin Eileen likes really dry Sauvignon Blanc and this was a wonderful surprise. The aromas were floral, with a green herbal note.The palate was tart but balanced, citric (thankfully no grapefruit), with surprising heft and an unusually long finish. This is a twelve buck stunner; I would have been happy at $25! Rated 91.5.
2022 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc – Peach, pear, apple, even Rainier cherry; all the white fruits are here, with a hint of new-mown grass. The palate offers the trademark rich, voluptuous texture. This almost reminds me of eating scallops, it’s that solid. It’s gotten more expensive over time, but still great wine. Rated 94.5.
2016 Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Cuvee da Capo’
We thought there was an older bottle in Eileen’s basement. Nope. I was hesitant to open it this young, but it is already a monument. A cornucopia of black fruits coddle your nostrils, accompanied by a hint of garrigue herb. The palate is rich, broad, mouth-coating and weightless. There are already secondary earthy hints and great subtlety. This is very great wine. Rated 99, one point of improvement inevitable. Gorgeous now, this will be at peak from 2030 – 2060+.
2010 Cave de Tain Hermitage – This was served after both the da Capo and a break with lots of food. The aromas were lovely, featuring an abundance of black cherry and some white pepper. The palate was firm, moderately rich and stately. This is a beautiful Hermitage, well developed at 15 years of middle age. Rated 93, drink now – 2030 or a little later.