Little lunch tasting with the boys:
Hans Herzog Viognier 2017
This was recommended by a caviste in Annecy. I uncorked this 3 hours ahead of time and realized it would benefit from aeration. When served at lunch it had opened up: ripe apricot and citrus, pineapple, vanilla, some hay and dried herbs and crushed stones. Ripe, rich but with good acidity and mineral streak running through it. The oak is a little obtrusive but there is freshness from the mineral backbone. A little easy going and smooth. Okay.
Marcel Lapierre Morgon 2021
First stab at 2021. Lighter bodied, maybe even a tad lean. Quaffable but lacking in Morgon spirit.
Chicotot Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Aux Torey 2014
This was all feral initially: sauvage, barnyard and damp earth. The nose showed more fruit with time but the barnyard remained. However, the palate was more harmonious: red berries, forest floor and mushrooms. Bright acidity and a tad of umami on the finish. More Beaune than CdN but beautiful and singing with Guinea fowl, sautéed potatoes and Paris mushrooms. Very nice.
Carlo Revello & Figli Barolo Giachini 2018
Distinct Barolo notes for me: rosebud and the much maligned tar. Very perfumed nose and super expressive from the get-go. Powdery tanins that are not intrusive, lots of freshness from the acidity and bright sweet red berries. Lots of fun and goodness but maybe not built for old bones.
François Crochet Sancerre Réserve de Marcigoué 2010
The 2011 I had a couple of days ago was fun for 30 minutes and then died in front of us. Basically the same thing here: better than 2011 with a lot of promise upon opening. This showed a super mature nose of a walk through a forest on a rainy day along with some stewed red berries. It initially had some acidity lifting the whole to an enjoyable Pinot experience. But 1 hour in, it just disintegrated in front of us. Past due.
Jean Bourdy Galant des Abbesses
I bought this following a few posts in the “most interesting white wine thread”. Wow. What a singular amazing wine! Spice bomb, slight oxidative twang, quince, some herbs, candied orange and Christmas mulled wine. Everything and nothing at the same time 
. This is very rich and sweet yet it carries enough freshness from the acidity and overall profile to make it work. I should have had one glass but I had three. As I drank this, flavors evolved and changed and I could have rewritten my tasting note multiple times. What a treat. It’s not an everyday wine but it’s definitely something to revisit.