I would be remiss if I didn’t include my visit with Chet and JoAnna Ruddel, good friends of Marshall and Diana Gelb, who have become good friends of mine as well. I was delighted that they were home in Yonkers–and they have a lovely home–and was able to get up there for lunch. Chet was incredibly generous in opening a couple bottles and then letting me take a 2009 Myriad Dr. Crane with me which I will enjoy with friends in New Jersey at the end of the trip. They are fine, fine people who I’m proud to know.
2007 Williams-Selyem Sonoma Coast
Aroma and palate speak of strawberry and fruit…but not much else. I don’t think there’s any flaw in the wine, but it is fairly, well, simple—and I haven’t ever used that word in the company of W-S. None of us are sure why this bottle showed as it did. It would be interesting to hear others’ views.
2006 Lillian Syrah
I was a little worried that this, on pop and pour, would be too young, but not so, not so! Bouquet has expressive plum, touch of cedar, spices and cassis. In the mouth, it’s a blend of smooth and powerful, with plum and baked blackberry pie coming to the fore. I think it lists out at 15.5% or so and doesn’t show a bit of that. Only thing it missed was a steak or prime rib. Very, very good.
A bientot,
Mike
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