OPENING THE GOOD STUFF BEFORE WE LEAVE - TJ's House (7/29/2026)
A few friends decided to open "that bottle" before circumstances get past everyone and we never get around to opening the good stuff when we should.
Three Bottles, Three People ... Perfect
Rib-eyes were prepared by the host as well as broccoli and roasted potatoes. Everything was as it should be on this evening.
- 2015 Pierre Péters Champagne Grand Cru Cuvée Speciale Blanc de Blancs Les Chetillons - France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru
Decanted 45 minutes in advance. Stellar from the get-go and continued to improve all evening (3 hours). Bright and aromatic. Appearance of pale straw to clear yellow-gold with shimmering green hues. Precise and pure attack that balances smoothness and power. Brioche on the pallet. Lively, elegant, and flavorful. Delicate yet expressive and complex. It opens with dried white flowers, citrus zest/orange peel, and crisp orchard fruit (peach and green apple notes). Long and persistent finish driven by a steely mineral core, vibrant acidity, and lingering notes of fruit and chalk. Brilliant bottle. - 1982 Vieux Château Certan - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol
Opened 2 hours in advance. Cork 50% saturated but otherwise in good condition although a Durand was 100% essential for proper removal. Aromas burst upon removal of the Cork. Full decant for 90 minutes. Red raspberries and dried prunes sing. Dense rich notes quickly escape. Blackcurrant, bramble, cedar, and truffle. Color is medium-garnet with amber and light rust at the rim. Medium to full body with a velvety silky attack. Flavors melt over your palate with dark fruit that deliciously lingers. Ripe acidity provides excellent balance to this well- structured wine. Supple and enveloping. Fruit, earth, and spice. Long and elegant finish. Dark berries, leather, and spice to savory. An intoxicating contemplative wine. A bottle to open now and savor over hours. This wine did not reach its apogee until 3+ hours after full decant but was magnificent when it did. - 1970 Bodegas Vega-Sicilia Ribera del Duero Único - Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero
Opened 3 hours in advance. 2 hours in the decanter and back in the bottle one hour before serving. Deep garnet color with a thin amber rim. The color is intense, still surprisingly dark. Aromatically this is the Bordeaux-stye winemakers were gunning for thanks to the increased Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Full bodied yet elegant. Flavors of black cherries, blackberries, blueberry, cassis, and dried cherries. Secondary notes of cacao and nuttiness. Very long and complex finish. Not a wine to be rushed. Savor over many hours as this truly magnificent wine was a joy to behold.
A magical night of some incredibly brilliant wines drinking beautifully. Stop making excuses and open the good stuff today.
Posted from CellarTracker
