Wines with friends

[Florida Jim]

To start the evening, a comparison:

2002 Pieropan, Soave:

A beautiful aperitif wine, with a clean somewhat floral nose and a crisp, lightly complex palate.

I will buy a case of this almost immediately.

2000 Pieropan, Soave “La Rocca”:

More on the order of a Gruner Veltliner in both aromatics and flavors. Real character here but unsuitable as aperitif. Rather, this deserves sauced food; say, gnocchi with sage butter or some such. Ready now.

Then off to dinner where another friend who brought a surprise bottle met us:

1996 A.P. Villaine, Cote de Chalonaise, Les Clos Bourgogne:

Light but character driven wine that speaks of the soil and the rocks. Charming, albeit simple. Still better than 90% of Bourgogne available today.

2000 R. & V. Dauvissat, Chablis:

Just plain wow. A terrific village Chablis with plenty of flavor and cut. No wood showing and lovely balance.

Surprise:

2000 Chat. Cheval Blanc:

Open 20 Hours/

This is barrel sample stuff with remarkable purity of fruit, almost no complexity, and substantial tannins. If anyone asks, in say twenty or so years, what this tasted like as a child, I will know. But for this moment, such a waste.

Best, Jim

[tanabutler]

Jim dear, would you mind posting the prices with your notes? I've seen you do that sometimes. It lets me know when I can get my hopes up.

Thank you.

[Craig Camp]

Jim dear, would you mind posting the prices with your notes? I've seen you do that sometimes. It lets me know when I can get my hopes up.

Thank you.

You don't want to see the price on the Cheval Blanc.

[balex]

I just ordered a case of the Pieropan basic Soave 2002 which was £65 IB.

[Florida Jim]

Jim dear, would you mind posting the prices with your notes? I've seen you do that sometimes. It lets me know when I can get my hopes up.

Thank you.

These were all either someone else's bring or purchased in a restaurant.

Although, I understand the price of the Cheval is around $750.

Best, Jim

[Scott]

Jim,

you might be curious to know Pierre Lurton does not like 2000 cheval blanc, much preferring the 1998. He finds the 2000 too exotic and ripe, lacking cheval character; whereas the 1998 is crisp with elegant tannins and reflects the style he feels is most 'cheval' and correct.

I tend to agree, though the 2000 is of course very fine wine nonetheless.