Christmas Eve I was leading a group into city for a party for those without, so couldn't really drink. We were at a party beforehand and I did take small pours of both the white and the red:
2007 Clos de la Fine Muscadet
Saline, mineral, lemon and apple. Good acidity, not bad at all. B
2007 Domaine Brunet Pinot Noir (Vin des Pays, subregion was something Mediterranee, new one to me)
I'm fearful of these VdP Pinots, but this was better than most. Sweet red fruits, a little smoky note, not long but drinkable. B-
So we got home at 3 AM. Get up for presents and breakfast of country ham, then it was all day cooking, cleaning, and prepping for arrival of dinner guests. 12 people means our dining table has to get moved to living room, ugh. But a good time was had by all. Guests brought hummus, guacamole, proscuitto wrapped melon with sambucco and anise, and a liver mousse. We did 2 rib roasts, a vegetable tian (layered beets, turnips, etc), potatoes, turnovers, and a spinach salad. Dave made an apple pie, Donna brought a trifle, Jonathan a pumpkin pie, and Nancy a Lenzertorte!
With big crowd, and only a couple really caring about wine, I didn't bring out real cellar treasures. But I put out a long lineup, and let those who cared about wine choose a bottle or two:
2004 Pinon Vouvray Brut (magnum)
Just lovely bubbly for my tastes. Citrus and applle, Parker House rolls, nice length, fine mousse, both elegant and sturdy. B+/A-
2003 La Lecciaia Brunello di Montalcino (magnum)
This was chosen earlier and had some time in decanter, was at its best hours later. Full bodied, quite ripe, but good acidity considering vintage. Floral note, red cherries, a bit of cedar and vanilla. B+/B
1988 Louis Latour Corton
Dave's pick, as it was his birthyear. Unfortunately for the wine, I don't think as much care was expended on the wine as Dave. Some old seepage under capsule, and this was cooked. Pruney, maderized, a couple of people actually liked it though. C
1983 Gruaud Larose
Andy's pick. My WOTN. Cordier funk was too much for one person, but a pleasant accent for me. Cassis fruit, cigarbox, and cow pasture. Good length, holds up well over entire evening. What mature St Julien should be. A-/B+
2004 Finca Allende Rioja (magnum)
Ron's pick, and several people's favorite. For me it was too sweet, with the red cherry fruit invaded by the dreaded blueberry jam. Some vanilla from the oak, quite popular with others. C+
I proposed 2 styles of dessert wine, votes for each, so opened two half bottles:
1997 Quinta do Passadouro Vintage Port(375)
Medium bodied, spices and caramel, ok length, not especially tannic. B
2001 Milz Laurentiushof Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Eiswein (375)
This was a cheap recent purchase, I don't think the producer is especially well regarded. This however was a bargain, tropical/papaya fruit dappled with citrus, crisp laserlike acidity. Not real long, not the best icewine I've ever had, but at $20 plus vig wish I had gotten more. B+
Nice time, but I was up past midnight doing dishes/glasses! Not fun getting up to come to work on a day others took off. Still, I felt blessed to spend day with good family, good friends, good food, and (mostly) good wine. Happy Holidays!
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.
