Food & Wine

I enjoyed over two successive dinners over the past few days.They were the stars of wine served.

First the 1994 Ridge Monte Bello which was surprisingly fresh and lively despite its mid to full bodied maturity with fruit seamlessly balanced with the oak and seemingly well integrated tannins,and a long ,long finish.Simply exquisite and elegant

The 09 Dom was also drinking very well,with its fine mousse and delicate brioche flavours admixed with citrus fruit and peach,a lovely mouthful.

As to the Sauzet,,it's what you would expect of this great house,balance,fruit well married with notes of nuts and hint of oak.

The following dinner,a much bigger affair ,had as its unexpected star,the 1999 Araujo Eisle Vineyard Cab Sauv.This mid bodied Californian was well into its drinking period with wonderful nose of dark berries,cassis,and leather,well supported on the palate with ample fruit,and secondary notes of mushroom and leather with no detectable tannins---a joy yo accompany the crispy suckling pig served.Another surprise was the Domaine Ramonet Bourgogne Chardonnay which punched way above its weight with all the qualities of a village Puligny,very apt for the starting seafood dishes.

You might note that the expected star,the 82 Chateau Latour,has at yet no mention----and with good but sad cause---it was CORKED!! Very unfortunate...a real damper

The 01 Poyferre actually showed what an underrated vintage it was as elegant with just the right touch of fruit and elegance.

The food to accompany the red wines

Thus California ruled the dinners as far as the reds were concerned,showing their great qualities and ability to mature very well.

Very enjoyable meals despite the corked Latour

  login to reply