Ssam I Am- Wines at Momofuku

[Vinotas]

The other night a bunch of us hit Momofuku Ssam for the Bo Ssam (roasted pig butt) and brought our own wines. There were an eclectic bunch of bottles, no theme had been decided except stuff that could handle the food.

BTW, pictures can be seen HERE.

We started with, what else, some Champagne (did you expect anything less of me?), a NV Champagne Moutard, which was lovely, especially with some air, it really began singing, with herbal and light red fruit notes on a lovely, almost biting frame. Next came a 1985 Champagne Heidsieck Charlie, deliciously old yet lively, with truffly hints and a gorgeous texture. God, I love old Champagne. Another friend, bless her heart, brought a NV Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, which to my surprise was inoffensif.

Now we moved to the still wines, starting with a 2007 Arneis from a producer who's name I missed, a floral white from Italy that smelled delicious but didn't offer as much on the palate. The next white was more interesting, a rare California wine, the 2006 Scholium Project Lost Slough Vineyard Naucratis. This was fat and oily, with an interestingly Sauvignon Blanc-like nose, even though it was Verdelho. Nice and not as freaky as other Scholiums I've had. Another white, a 1990 Domaine du Closel Savennieres, which smelled somewhat like my foot (not a bad thing I promise) with some cheesy accents. Another fat wine, this had a nice mineral end that balanced things.

We moved onto the reds, starting with a 2000 Sine Qua Non Shea Vineyards Pinot Noir. Usually I am not a fan of SQN as most of his wines have been big fat fruit bombs with jammy notes and tons of alcohol. This one was more balanced, smelling of earth and strawberries, a real OR wine. Nice, not nearly as bad as I was expecting to be honest.

Another Pinot appeared, from one of my (admittedly few) favorite CA vineyards, the 1999 Williams Selyem Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir. Also earthy, with cherries and strawberries on a silky structure with beautiful acidity. Lovely and perfect with the Bo Ssam.

Lastly, a slightly sweet 1976 Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Wachenheimer Gerümpel Riesling Auslese with petrol notes and an oily mouthfeel appeared, a lovely counter-balance to all the other wines and a way to cleanse the palate after all the food.

This was another fantastic evening enjoying the culinary delights of our great city. The food, the wines, and most importantly the people, made this a night to remember.

Cheers!