A Not So Random May Day Gathering

1 May 2012: Public holiday in HK. A few of us had gone to an amazing 30th birthday party the previous night where we were treated to a generous showing of very high quality burgundy wines (my most memorable being 1984 Ramonet Montrachet, 1999 Coche-Dury Corton Charlemagne, 1996 Lafon Meursault Perrieres, 1997 Leroy Corton Charlemagne and the 1970 magnum of Rousseau Chambertin Clos de Beze that we brought!  Richard said he tasted a very nice 1962 Leroy Musigny.....but unfortunately I didn't get that far!!).  We were having a few friends home to a casual supper with a few bottles.  We hadn't quite planned the wines for the evening but one thing led to another and we went down a rather slippery path of indulgence!

2000 Pontet Canet. Deep ruby colour.  Bouquet of chocolate, blackberry preserve, spices, underbrush,  truffle, smoke and mineral.  A wine of masculine proportions, with gorgeous tannic structure, and plenty of ripe phenolic substance. This wine has just started to unfold its big and brooding structure.  It will reward the patient.  17.5/20

I looked around the cellar and thought the 1990 L'Evangile would be a worthy successor. A seductive wine, sensual and shapely.  Smokey, cedar, blueberry, mocha, floral and leather characterise the very attractive bouquet. A wine that boasts great balance, concentration, depth and complexity on the palate, with a very long finish.  A classic Pomerol beauty.  18.5/20

Then Richard quite fancied the look of the 1966 Vieux Chateau Certan.  Cedar, meaty and leather bouquet.  Glorious tertiary aromatics. A little disappointing on the palate, which was still relatively fresh but devoid of fruit character, with a somewhat bothering astringent aspect.  A wine that would never quite resolve its elements!  16/20

After that, there was no return......out came the 1955 Graham's: Viscous and concentrated.  Caramel, dried fruit, walnuts, dark cherry pie, with hints of chocolate. A rich and unctuous nectar that had very little difficulty slipping down our throats! Quite a spirity finish.  19/20