Our monthly tasting group held its annual fine wine dinner event in the inside dining room of the San Ysidro Ranch`s restaurant, The Stonehouse.
For me, the highlight of the evening was sharing the evening with 11 other like minded people who appreciate this kind of experience and are willing to play full on and contribute to it so others can rejoice in the pleasure of great food, wines, ambience and fellowship all in one occasion.
After sharing some appetizers, the 12 of us ordered our individual preferences off the combined menus for the Stonehouse and the Plow & Angel Restaurant located below.
Our set up included proper stemware on a long table suited for 6 n each side that was suitable for a whole table conversation. We had 2 side tables to house the wines and ice buckets and we did our own wine service and corkage was waived.
The lineup of 19 wines:
NV RUINART BRUT ROSE- 1.5L; this bottle had some age on it and a bit of corkiness; however, it was still drinkable early on; the color was dark salmon; the tertiary fruit profile consisted of mature plum, red currant and black raspberry all with a hit of spice coming in at the end.
2002 DOM PERIGNON- the 2nd bottle Ive had in the past week and this was pretty understated; with time and a little less chill, the flavors started to unfold and there was a little bit of underlying spice and saline accompanying the kiwi, lemon- lime notes; this bottle was more on the elegant side and was not typical of other 02 Doms I`ve enjoyed since release which were much more expressive and had a distinct toastiness missing here.
2002 TAITTINGER COMTES de CHAMPAGNE BLANC de BLANC- a candidate for WOTN already; this was pure pleasure; nicely balanced, bracing acidity and full bodied, the taste profile consisted of toasted brioche, spice and ginger infused citrus and stone fruit delivered in a creamy texture; this is the prototypical style I`ve been enamored with from the CdC for decades.
2006 DOMAINE JEAN COLLET CHABLIS VALMUR, GRAND CRU - 1.5L; I expected more of the usual flinty, steely Chablis character and got a whole lot of something else much to my satisfaction; there was an almost sweet aromatic of herb and fresh grass and nice minerality throughout; most significant was the rich and oily smooth mouthfeel; the expected fine acidity prevailed and the entire package was a treat.
1995 BLAIN GAGNARD CRIOTS BATARD MONTRACHET, GRAND CRU- initially this offered some treasures to enjoy before fading out; overall it was decent and I liked the mild peach and pear notes.
2004 DOMAINE ROUMIER CORTON CHARLEMAGNE, GRAND CRU- this shined from the moment it hit the glass and I immediately recognized I had a 2nd candidate for WOTN; the nose had some fresh cut flowers and an initial lightly toasted almond aroma followed by a big hit of lemon zest, citrus, smoke and mild toasted vanilla all delivered in a creamy, oily texture all the way through to the back end which graciously lingered on; a complete treat.
2000 Y [YGREC] CHATEAU d`YQUEM SAUTERNES- we took a break in the action with a palate change and this was soooo good as it has proven to be time after time; made of 50% Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, it gave up rich and nutty tangerine, orange and lime notes in a creamy substance; nicely balanced and long at the end; we now have a newly prepared palate state and are ready for the reds.
1996 DOMAINE PONSOT CLOS de la ROCHE VIEILLES VIGNES, GRAND CRU- this came out pleasant and then dissipated rather quickly and finished very dry; there was some earthiness amidst the dark fruit with a light to medium body.
1996 HOSPICE de BEAUNE DOMINIQUE LAURENT CORTON CUVEE DOCTEUR PESTE, GRAND CRU- I liked this; it`s moved into the tertiary flavors profile which in this case consisted of mild mushroom, wild game infused spiced black raspberry and cherry, had a soft and silky texture and good length.
2009 GROS FRERE et SOEUR RICHEBOURG, GRAND CRU- this is drinking beautifully in its youth with promises to be great with maturity; its big, vibrant and fully packed and loaded with red, blue and black fruit; its certainly out of balance and yet to be integrated, but there`s enough now to know this is special.
1999 MEO CAMUZET CLOS de VOUGEOT, GRAND CRU- this wondrous wine shined brightly; it`s in perfect balance, seamless, layered depth and has such nice spicy red cherry notes; loved the creamy texture and length as well.
1998 MONGEARD MUGNERET ECHEZEAUX, GRAND CRU- dark, still youthful purple color with gobs of rich, wood spicy black fruit amidst some pretty significant tannins that should provide a backbone to carry this on for some time.
2001 DUJAC CLOS de la ROCHE, GRAND CRU- fantastic wine delivering all I expected and maybe a bit more; there`s lots of complexity and a fruit profile that includes spiced laden black raspberry, black berry and blueberry that goes on and on; this is beautifully structured and it kept giving up treasures from early entry through a long finish and evolving in the glass; a great wine for years to come.
1991 CHAPOUTIER COTE ROTIE la MORDOREE- fabulous Northern Rhone as anticipated and a great bring; this is one of RP`s older, unfashionable 100 pointers [he got this one right]; complete with the requisite peppery smoky bacon notes in a smooth texture allowing for a great tactile experience; full bodied, balanced and reeking of integrity and elegance.
1999 PENFOLDS GRANGE- mentioning great brings as all were on this night, this beauty hits it on all levels; highlighted by spicy, pepper, cola and clove accents to the licorice flavored exotic black fruit; evolved where the oak has integrated nicely and in balance; this is elegant, sophisticated and so easy on the palate; fantastic.
2004 HARLAN ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON- how many times do I reference “great bring?”; this big boy is full throttle and yet not overwhelming; it`s very youthful and playful and still searching for its eventual nesting place; I got some talc, eucalyptus, cedar and plentiful minerality along with an earthiness likened to black truffles and a plethora of black fruit, all of which continues on through the great, long finish.
1993 CHATEAU PAJZOS TOKAJI ESSENCIA- 500 ml.; this is SWEET and enough dessert to pass on the solid form; almost mindful of an Amarone with its sweet dried raisiny notes; it comes served up in a thick and luscious honey like consistency and coats the palate so one can enjoy this the next morning even after a tooth brush cleaning.
2001 ALOIS KRACHER WELSCH RIESLING TBA #8 ZWISCHEN den SEEN- 375 ml.; one sweetie leads to another and this intense liquid apricot/ peach nectar is a winner; as with the Tokaji, a little sip will do ya.
NV LAURENT PERRIER GRAND SIECLE LA CUVEE- the back up bubbly comes out and it was such a treat and after the 2 dessert wines, it served to break up some of the thick layers of coating on the palate, at least just enough so as to enjoy the gifts of this jewel; this has long been a favorite of mine with its bright acidity and nice citrus flavors.
I think you might get the picture. This was a very special evening that will be remembered by all who attended for a long time. It served to remind that life is good.
Cheers,
Blake
