For 15 years now, some incredibly generous friends and I have had this monthly dinner and tasting group. It morphed into a thematic dinner tasting too, but it was always a themed tasting of 6 wines, of some of the most renown names from well known wine regions tasted among 9 friends, that just love the food and wine experience. Here's a non-linear retrospective series of what we tasted, in crib-note form, that I'm calling...Views from the Cellar.
Themed Flight...Vosne Romanee and Chambolle-Musigny (late 2017)
A...and in 1st place: 2002 Dom. G Roumier Chambolle-Musigny
Creamy entrance, mixed cherry blend (Bing, Queen Anne/Rainier, Hood), warm raspberry compote in midpalate, almost Mediterranean cooking spices, really supple, excellent length and finish!
B...and in 6th place (least favorite): 2005 Daniel Rion Vosne-Romanee 1er 'Les Bons Monts'
Showing some age, mushroom bloom in nose, tart red pie cherries in the palate, lots of cranberry/orange acid in the finish. Has an alive feel, almost like fresh made yougurt.
C...and in 4th place: 2000 Dom. Groffier Chambolle-Musigny 1er 'Les Sentieres'
More extraction, showing almost a Modern nose. A bit more heat in the palate, and a fair amount of wood spice. tastes like the first time I had C-M, and the instructor called it The Velvet Hammer.
D...and in 5th place: 2010 Perrot-Minot Vosne-Romanee 1er 'Les Beaux Monts'
Much darker hued, Roasted spices and coffee grounds, lending itself to raspberry mocha, almost tarry and leathery. Had elements of Nebbiolo with earthy, tar, tobacco, and barrel.
E...and in 2nd place: 2001 Lignier Clos de la Roche
Immediate hit of worn leather and sweet earth. So supple in the mouth, almsot sappy fruit, but with strong orange/tangerine acid to balance out, powerful, with tarragon and green herbs with the berry in the lengthy finish.
F...and in 3rd place: 1996 Gerard Mugneret Vosne-Romanee 1er 'Les Brulees'
Obviously an older Burg for the group. Earthy, dusty fruit, almost briary berries, but pretty fruit not dried out. Tastes like Northern MI, sun-baked wild strawberries picked from the side of a dusty dirt road, but all fresh blood orange and bing cherry in the finish. Pretty but showing age.
Post-Pours: with Cherry/Raisin/Apple Pie
#1...2007 Radio-Coteau Pinot Noir 'Alberigi Vineyard'
#2...1997 Lustau Oloroso Anada
#3...2002 Dom. Baumard Quarts de Chaume (750ml)
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