2002 Millésime de Collection, Gimonnet (in magnum)
Lovely pale golden hue. An enticing bouquet of white blossom, fig, apple, pear, toast, ginger and grilled almonds. On the palate, the layered flavours taken around the mouth by very fine and persistent bubbles, delivering a lingering finish with crisp precision and wonderful complexity. Drink now or keep for 10 - 15 years! A fabulous champagne! 18/20
1999 Chablis Montée de Tonnerre, Raveneau
Pale lemon colour. An expressive bouquet of lemon, nutty and toast, with smokey, flinty nuances. Plenty of freshness, with zesty acidity. Rather delicious, but just short of persistence on the palate. Classic saline finish. It did a wonderful job marrying with my Hokkaido King Crab timbale with a yuzu and wasabi dressing. 17/20
1985 Chambertin, Rousseau (in magnum)
Garnet hue. Gorgeous tertiary aromas still greet the nose: spicy, sous-bois, leather with hints of red fruit. Mid weight palate. The aromatics on the nose unfortunately led to a rather disappointing palate, that is light on persistence, concentration and intensity of flavours, with a shorter than expected finish that is beginning to show some dryness. A wine that is probably just past its peak. Given recent experience of other 1985 bottles, 1985 seems like a vintage that can do with drinking up! 17.5/20
1990 Chambertin, Rousseau (in magnum)
Garnet core. Beautiful aromas of dried rose petals, raspberry, sous-bois and leather......lifted by a hint of sweet spice and a savoury note. Mid weight frame belies an intensity and persistence of rich ripe flavours, bolstered by perfect acidity. A wine that speaks of harmony and elegance that promises a subtle core of power and depth in the lingering finish, with that lovely sweetness that comes from mature Burgundies! A very perfect accompaniment to the slow-roasted lemongrass infused chicken...18.5/20
NV Oloroso Bota No. 14, Equipo Navazos
Tawny hue. A pungent and aromatically savoury bouquet of grilled hazelnuts, coffee, balsamic, dried figs, milk candy and caramel. Medium body, searing acidity, with such intensity of flavours that explode on your palate. 19/20 A perfect marriage with Epoisses! One of the most oustanding food and wine pairings!
2003 Yquem
Bright and limpid, golden robe. Intense flavours of apricot, dried pineapple with honey, hazelnut and smokey notes. Unctuous on the palate, but perhaps a little lacking in the botrytis notes and balance of firm acidity for a great Sauternes. Nevertheless, a sublime drink. Probably better young given the lower level of acidity. 17.5/20
(And sadly the 1955 Fonseca went by so quickly that I missed it completely!)
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