We had friends over for a simple BBQ (roast chicken and 4 hour, low-and-slow baby back ribs). Things started off badly with a totally shot '96 vintage champagne (pre-ox’d) and very advanced Kongsgaard ‘The Judge’. Alban to the rescue!
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1996 Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne Grand Cru Cramant - France, Champagne, Côte des Blancs, Champagne
Completely and totally oxidized. Almost not drinkable. Dark golden colour. Cork was perfect, tons of bubbles. The wine simply was DOA and was a great disappointment. NR (flawed) -
2002 Kongsgaard Chardonnay The Judge - USA, California, Napa Valley
Deep gold in colour and is now showing strong hints that it is well beyond its prime. What’s here is incredible - dense, chewy and a remarkable collection of tropical fruits.
One of my favourite chards several years ago. If you have any left, it’s time to drink up. (89 pts.)
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2001 Alban Vineyards Syrah Seymour’s Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley
Phenomenal. When I first opened the wine, I was nervous about a slightly stewed nose but after a 2 hour decant, the wine was singing. Intensely dark, this is one of the richest Syrah’s I’ve had in a while. Rich in flavour and not overbearing at all. Lots of blue fruits, earth, blood & iron wrapped in a velvet package. The finish was exceptionally long and paired perfectly with a chicken and rib BBQ.
I’m glad I have one more bottle and am in no rush to open it. Maybe again in 4 or 5 years to see if it can develop more secondary personality traits. (95 pts.)
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1998 Axe Hill Cape Vintage Port - South Africa, Klein Karoo, Calitzdorp
We had pretty high expectations given the raves this port has received from the Platter Guide (5 star I believe). The nose was very subdued (at least initially) but opened up over an hour or so. Lush chocolate intermixed with blackberry liqueur was the tale of the bottle though and a wonderful way to finish the evening. (91 pts.)
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