I don’t post many tasting notes any more at my advanced age, - I am prefering to get lost in them rather than analyzing them. I thought these two wines meritied in exception:
1997 Phelps Insignia (Magnum) - this wine is showing beautifully now. Still a strong garnet robe. A compelling nose of blackberries, smoke and char jumps from the bottle. On the palate, a rich bath of blckberries and currents, Great weight, persistent with complementary drying tannins and acids serve as a sign that this wine has lots of life left, and provide nice cut and a persistent finish. A-, will get better
Bourdy Galant des Abbesses (liquer) - This was a new one on me. Apparently made with Chateau Chalon grapes from the Jura, that are pressed then boiled down; herbs are added and its topped with a local very old marc. The resultant brew has an orangy/copper tinge and an herbal aroma (sage and Ludens cherry throat losenges). On the palate, the entry is reminiscent of sauternes, with the weight, bitterness and sweetness of a wine of fine vintage from the area. As the palate carries through to the backend, your left with pure herbal digestif and some sweetness. A fabulous match for my wifes’ citrus spice cake that she traditionally makes for Thanksgiving. I great wine experience - this wine has no peers that I am aware of. A for experieince