Quick trip, quick notes

[Florida Jim]

A quick trip to northern California to visit with old friends Russell, Victoria, John, David, Stephen, Julius, Denise, Jim, Barbara and Bree. The chance to meet some new folks and put faces with names up ‘til then, unmet. And a few good wines:

2000 Sauzet, Chevalier-Montrachet:

the nose was a cross between rushing spring water and poached pears with hints of cinnamon, oak, flowers and mineral; a very deep fruit scent prevailed/

medium bodied, strikes that “great wine” paradox of immense density and light-weight grace across the palate, flavors echo the nose, wonderful concentration, perfect balance/

long finish.

Simply superb with a great future.

2000 Ravenau, Butteaux:

refined nose of steel and fresh pears, some mineral, citrus and honeyed tones; very fresh and lively/

delightful texture, very fresh without being the least bit acidic or edgy, flavors follow the nose with good depth, concentrated and intense, good balance/

a tangy, long, flavor-filled finish.

A spectacular young Chablis; far more approachable than expected. Charming.

1999 F.X. Pichler, Kellerberg Riesling:

powerhouse nose of white fruit, resin, flowers and mineral/

full body, viscous, flavors follow the nose with depth and breadth, solid acid backbone, concentrated and intense, nice balance/

very long, pleasing finish.

A masterpiece that is delicious now and has excellent potential.

1999 Hirtzberger, Honivogl Gruner Veltliner:

deeply honeyed nose with oleander, tree bark, mineral and fresh pineapple/

full body, viscous, smooth texture, flavors follow the nose with complexity and integration, very deep and well balanced/

very long finish.

Approaching the texture of oil but still elegant and graceful on the palate. I doubt this will ever close down – what a wine!

1997 J.P. Droin, Vaudesir:

very clean nose of fresh air, white fruit and mineral/

medium body, distinctly mineral flavor profile but no lack of fruit support, lovely balance/

long finish.

Not in the league with the Ravenau (above) but still an excellent wine that has developed in bottle very nicely.

1990 Jamet, Cote-Rotie:

beautiful olive, bacon, ashtray, red fruit nose that is so distinctly of its place as to let one imagine the Rhone running by outside the window/

medium body, ripe red fruit with good backing acidity, considerable complexity and lovely balance/

long finish without any sense of drying.

Yum and then some. Drink now with very good friends.

1999 Magpie, The Malcolm:

very expansive nose of mint/eucalyptus, blackberry concentrate and oak/

full body but no sense of heaviness, huge extraction, mouth staining concentration and decent balance/

very long finish.

When compared to the 1994 version (also drunk at this sitting), it was head and shoulders better. Not my kind of wine but still impressive for its style.

Going out on a limb, I would say this is not a wine to age.

1985 Georges Mugneret, Ruchottes-Chambertin:

the swamp water component of the nose diminishes (but does not disappear) with air, big red fruits, soy, mineral, forest floor and a light floral aspect; quite complex/

medium body with plenty of ripe fruit flavors and lots of complexity that follows the elements of the nose, solid tannic backbone still in evidence, excellent balance/

long, somewhat drying finish.

An intellectual and sensual experience in the manner that only fine, old Burgundy can deliver. A grand experience.

1988 Ponsot, Clos de la Roche:

old, tired, drying and not anything more than a brief moment of interest.

1991 Ridge, Geyserville (from mag.):

crushed berries, crushed berries, crushed berries . . .

the essence of what this wine is all about; pure, balanced, unmistakable.

Delicious.

1988 Krug:

a celebration of Champagne and all that is uplifting about such wine. A delight for all the senses; utterly clean and delivers, along with its succulent taste, an almost whimsical impression. Enchanting and refreshing.

2002 Paloma, barrel sample Merlot:

If anyone ever wishes to know what truly ripe merlot tastes like, this is it. The ultimate fruit bomb. (This was an as yet unblended barrel of first pick Merlot from this vintage.)

Many, many more that now escape my memory (is it any wonder).

I enjoyed them all but not near as much as the people.

I am so blessed.

Best, Jim

[Carema]

those were the tasting notes I could only dream of writing....simply gorgeous. I felt as if I were there, Thank you

[Craig Camp]

Was the 90 Jamet showing any Brett as was the 99 Jamet you tasting in your other note?

[Florida Jim]

Was the 90 Jamet showing any Brett as was the 99 Jamet you tasting in your other note?

Just a touch.

Best, Jim