Extracted from a thread just posted: 16 wines at dinner for 12; 3 champagnes including 2011 Taittinger Comtes, 2017 PYCM Corton-Charlemagne, 2013 Y, 2010 Pavillon Blanc, 1988 Rieussec, 1988 Filhot,1985 DRC Richebourg, 1975/1990 Gruard Larose, 1995 Haut Brion, 2000 Pontet Canet, 2005 Palmer +
2011 TAITTINGER COMTES de CHAMPAGNE BLANC de BLANC- I pulled this knowing full well that this was not a great vintage and my last experience with this release found it to be pretty wimpy and understated; I was hoping for a better showing and pleasantly surprised to find it was so much better; following its light yellow color came aromas of fresh lemon and lime with a coat of honey and an accent of toasty brioche, all of which continued on all the way to the back end; it had a feel good frothy mousse, bright acidity and expressed class and elegance; I was so surprised, I didn’t trust the first pass through and went back with trepidation for the 2nd only to find it was even better. I proceeded to drink a little more.
NV LE MESNIL BLANC de BLANC GRAND CRU in magnum- I did not find any details on the labels, but this was singing beautifully with lemon, lime, pear and green apple most notable in the nose and an addition of brioche, grapefruit, hazelnut and minerals on the palate; it was delivered in a frothy, cotton candy like mousse which enhanced the whole experience; this is one of the most consistent champagnes I know of as it seems to always please with elegance and grace while providing a wonderful taste profile and tactile bliss while carrying a very respectable price tag.
NV VEUVE FOURNY et FILS CUVEE du CLOS NOTRE DAME 1er Cru- this was very good sporting nice honeyed nectarine, peach and yellow apple fruit with a bit of brioche, chalk and minerals in the background; it had a nice soft texture, fine acidity and enough richness to fill in the blanks; our bottle was disgorged 5/24.
Cheers,
Blake