A lovely laid back Friday lunch again at one of our favourite BYO in Sydney, the Le Pelican. This was the second time we have used this venue for a Friday lunch in 6 months and the food is actually getting better not worse.
First up on what was a hot day Loius Roederer Brut 2002. A nice refreshing crisp style of bubbles. A sort of a palate cleanser, no great depth of flavours, just very drinkable .
Next up, a Tyrrell’s Vat 47 1997. With a deep amber hue, we all expected it to be shot. But no, remarkably it has retained its structure and with a good back end degree of acidity, it went well with the risotto. Toasted fruits of apricots and peaches, I would however definitely be drinking it all up if it was in my cellar.
At the other end of the chardy spectrum was the Vincent Girardin Vieilles Vignes Les Champs Gain 1er cru, Puligny-Montrachet 2005 . Still just a babe, it was a pale yellow with a touch of green to the eye. Dry but elegant wine, good balance, I would be interested to see what this does in another 5-7 years. There was just a hint of complexity breaking through at the back that suggests it will evolve into a very pleasant wine one day.
With the main course, a Clos du Marquis, St Julien 2000. Affected just a little by what was a very hot day, it is full-bodied, with velvety textured tannins. Just beginning to open up and enter its drinking window, I got dark currents, spice and a little licorice at the back. I will probably weight another 12 months before opening the next bottle.
Finally a Le Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf du Pape 1999. At this stage I was starting to flag after a big night the night before so my recollection of this wine is a tad jaded. Sweet, rich and layered, with a strong chocolatey character.
Talking of the night before, after a reasonably long meal, a group of friends had ended up at the very pleasant Apertif in X Cross where I ordered a 2007 Joh Jos Christoffel Erben Kabinett riesling before my good friends could complain. Another excellent German Mosel. 8.5% alcohol, light and refreshing with green apples, perfect finish to a rather dodgy Mexican meal. What was more pleasing was that after everyone got over their initial surprise at an off dry riesling style, they universally got stuck into it with great relish. Perfect finish to a great evening.
