SUNDAY NIGHT DINNER - RPM Steak - Chicago, IL (9/28/2014)
Despite two of our guests not getting into Chicago due to the FAA troubles in Aurora, we still managed to have a great night! Big thanks to the team at RPM. They took great care of us, and we all enjoyed our food. Excited to go back!
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2011 Emmanuel Houillon (Maison Pierre Overnoy) Chardonnay Arbois Pupillin - France, Jura, Arbois Pupillin
A young and firm chardonnay that’s not showing a whole lot at this point. I probably should have let this breathe a lot longer than I did (about 90 minutes) to awaken some of the exotic citrus tones that I’m sure are buried deep down. I had hoped to keep some of the bottle for the end of the night, but that didn’t end up working out. My last sip was the best. -
2011 Ceritas Chardonnay Heintz Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
A lot to like here with a core of sweet citrus fruit - namely lemons. With some air this developed a really flinty nose that seemed to have a bit of a Meursault/Puligny thing going on. Usually, people equate Ceritas to chablis (myself included) but this was distinctively more powerful and brawny. Great florals, great acidity, and lots and lots of lemons and limes. Very good. (91 pts.) -
2005 Domaine Denis Bachelet Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Corbeaux Vieilles Vignes - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru
Decanted for about 4 hours before drinking, this was young but showing some great potential. Lost of soft cherries and floral tones on the nose with some earthy undertones. The palate had some tannins in there, but the material behind them is really beautiful. Charming, feminine, elegant, pick your adjective… (92 pts.) -
1987 R. López de Heredia Rioja Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja
What’s striking about this wine is just how youthful and energetic it was. Seductive nose filled with dried roses, leather, dusty cherries, and some smoke. The palate was so fresh and lively too…great acidity and the brightness of the fruit was surprising for a wine of this age. Even Lopez wines (which can age forever) tend to lose their brightness a bit and take on more earthy, meaty tones…but this hasn’t gotten there yet. (93 pts.) -
1978 Miguel Torres Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Coronas Reserva Mas La Plana - Spain, Catalunya, Penedès
Gorgeous nose of currants, sweet cherry, violets, and smokey earth. Palate was in a great spot. Lots of sweet dark fruit, with some secondary spice tones. Really nice. (93 pts.) -
2008 Rhys Syrah Horseshoe Vineyard - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
This might be the first non-Alesia bottling of syrah I’ve had from Rhys. I liked this a lot. Had some spicy dark fruits, a touch of meatiness, and beautiful florals. Nice acidity and a cool fruit profile, I was a fan. (90 pts.) -
2007 Ridge Monte Bello - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
It’s been over three years since I last tried this and this still has greatness in its future but was a touch less expressive than before. Still has the powerful black fruit core to it with some beautiful spices and smokey notes. The tannins seemed to get to me just a bit more this time…they’re pretty gnarly. Worth noting that its aromas of florals and smoke were very nice. (92 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker