15 July 2012: We were invited by friends to celebrate Bastille Day at their home. Our hosts very thoughtfully produced traditional Burgundian fare of gougères (which Sandy the dog couldn't stay away from), jambon persillé, rabbit in a rich mustard sauce (which I declined and was kindly offered Saucisse de Morteau as substitute) and fabulous cheese platter including Comté, Epoisses and Coulommiers. A quick word on Saucisse de Morteau or La Belle de Morteau: it is a smoked sausage produced in the Massif du Jura.
We started with a lovely rosé Crémant de Bourgogne made by Parigot-Richard, a family business that is now into its 5th generation. 100% Pinot Noir. It's really delicious, delighting the nose and palate with gorgeous fresh red fruit notes, with a very harmonious texture of creamy mousse and very fine bubbles. Great finesse and smooth texture, a very well-integrated wine. 36 - 48 months ageing on lees and riddling by hand. 16.5/20 I tasted at this domaine in June and was rather impressed by the quality of its wines.
Then we moved onto the 1996 Puligny-Montrachet La Truffière, Michel Colin-Deléger. The nose and colour showing much more maturity than its age. It was a medium+ golden colour, with notes of toast, smoke, ripe pear, nougat, ginger, herbal and liquorice. There was still sufficient acidity to keep the palate from tasting flabby. Quite a long finish. Perhaps not the best pairing with the jambon persillé, which needed a more zingy and energetic wine to pair, like a good quality youthful Bouzeron! Wish I had kept some of the Puligny to go with the Saucisse de Morteau - that would have worked rather much better! 17/20
We then had the 1971 Charmes Chambertin, Camille Giroud that we brought. Lovely tertiary nose of coffee, autumn leaves, earthy, Asian spice with some pot pourri. An old-fashioned masculine Burgundy, with much concentration and density, but not a huge amount of charm. A well-made wine, and tasting very fresh still, much younger than its 41 years of age! Long finish. Got a way to go, probably drink well for another 10 - 15 years, depending on storage. We bought this as a late release from the domaine. 17.5/20
The 1996 Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru (cannot remember the name of the climat), Ghislaine Barthod was unfortunately corked.
Next up was 2001 Charmes Chambertin, Nicolas Potel. Well-balanced in a light-medium frame, somewhat lacking in vinous material and structure. Dark fruit, a little burnt, and some earthy and spicy notes. A rustic style wine. Not too keen on the slightly bitter finish. Drinking at peak now (and needed drinking up soon probably!). 15/20
The 2001 Yquem in half bottle was a great finish to the dinner. Luscious, rich and opulent, beautifully balanced by vibrant acidity, keeping the palate fresh and exciting with every sip. Honey, apricot and orange marmalade, with lots of lovely spicy notes. A most exhilarating wine! 19.5/20 (Oops, a Bordeaux bottle got sneaked in!!!)
Always love a good excuse to drink Burgundy wines, and better still with genuine lovers who are passionate about the region and not about the labels!
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