I don’t do this very often, so be kind.
Wines consumed during game seven of the NHL Stanley Cup finals along with a Flannery sampler including a rib cap, rib eye and a NY strip. All notes listed below were taken on day two. Also, I’m a little obsessive about open wine storage. I pour remaining wines into smaller bottles and recork leaving little to no air in the smaller bottle.
1992 Philip Togni Cabernet
This wine is big, thick and petite syrah-like in color. To me it drinks more like a 2003 bordeaux than a 17 year old cali cab. Dark fruits with cassis, lots of wild mushroom and perhaps wet stones. Consumed over two nights and every bit as good on day 2.
1982 Talbot
Served blind to my guests. I think both were a little surprised at the age, although both knew it was bordeaux. The wine displays classic bordeaux flavors and layering with dankness and of course mushrooms. Disclaimer, I get mushrooms in damn near everything, probably made worse by the wonderful porcini salt that was sprinkled on my Flannery beef. While this wine is certainly mature, I don’t sense any signs of decline. I love this wine.
2003 Cos d’Estournel
What a stunner. The tannis are sweet and nicely integrated. Dark fruits and hints of chocolate or maybe cafe mocca. The Cos was great on the first night and somehow it was better last night. The best part, more hints of mushrooms on day 2. Still a baby, however it’s going to be difficult to keep my hands off the rest of the stash.
1995 Cos d’Estournel
Much lighter in color than the 2003, and the nose is not nearly as satisfying showing only hints of minerality and fruit. There’s nothing timid on the palate which is rich with cassis, smoke and black fruit with a great finish. Very elegant.
2005 Fleur Cardinale
This was very much like the 2003 Cos with an injection of the 2005 Cos, all on steriods. Big mushroom on the nose and a hint of red fruit. Coffee, chocolate, tons of fruity goodness and a long finish. This did not come out of my cellar, but I will be on the lookout. My oldest daughter tasted with me on the second day. This was her favorite of the six. Prior to this glass, she was tasting the Talbot and declared “this tastes like mushroom”. I agreed and was thrilled that she was getting older wine until she told me that she hated mushrooms.
2003 Pape Clement
Dark fruits, smoke and a hint of butter on the nose. A thick viscous mouth feel with big tannins, still somewhat chalky. This wine was my least favorite on day 1 and my favorite of the remaining 6 on day 2. Typical smoke, tobacco, leather and coffee liquer flavors of Graves. Wonderful!
Also had a 1996 Grange which was the only wine that did not survive the first night. Nuff’ said.