TN: Dinner with Allan and Shirley

[Florida Jim]

Allan and Shirley came for a visit toting goodies and we did our best to enjoy a cool evening’s repast out on the porch.

With a variety of cheeses, sausages and crackers:

2004 Bessin, Chablis Valmur:

Although it has a touch of green (likely from the vintage) this delivers intensity and typicité in a fleshy and texturally smooth package. 13% alcohol and imported by Kysela Père et Fils.

2001 Knoll, Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Vinothekfüllung:

About as fine and concentrated as the variety can produce. Full bodied, incredible depth, intense and utterly of its place. Sensational wine. 14% alcohol and imported by Vin Divino.

2001 Clavelier, Corton VV Le Rognet:

I thought it slightly corked; Allan thought it slightly off but not corked – either way, not its best showing. 13.5% alcohol and imported by Martine’s Wines.

With a summer squash salad:

2000 Raveneau, Chablis Montée de Tonnerre:

Still slightly closed, although it opened nicely in about half an hour, this is beautiful, strongly flavored Chablis with saline hints and great acidity. Hard to beat. 13% alcohol and imported by Kermit Lynch.

With pasta with a purée of fresh tomatoes and almonds:

1966 Leroy, Corton:

Full resolved (something I can rarely say of Corton), ethereal, complex and showing wonderful secondary development. At peak and quite marvelous. 13% alcohol and imported by Leroy, Inc.

1995 Clape, Cornas:

Funky at first but as it opened it became a rich, terroir driven syrah with loads of nuance and a substantial mouth-feel. Terrific young wine. 13% alcohol and imported by Kermit Lynch.

With more of the cheeses, etc.:

1999 Giacosa, Barolo Falletto:

Too young but quite a mouthful of wine; deep, layered, powerful nebbiolo from the master. 13.5% alcohol and imported by Locascio.

2003 Dom. Tempier, Bandol:

A worsted texture, loads of flavor and so clearly of its place that it would be hard to guess it as anything else. Young but delicious. 11-14% alcohol and imported by Kermit lynch.

2003 Puffeney, Poulsard Arbois:

A rich example of the variety and showing the nuance and uniqueness of the grape and the Jura. A lovely drop. 13.5% alcohol and imported by Rosenthal.

Best, Jim