Notes from Friday lunch at Je Suis Gourmand. Chef Marc prepared a magnificent meal of kidneys but, tempted as I was, I decided to forgo the special menu and just ordered a la carte as fear of gout got the better of me.
All Burgundy except for a sparkling starter and dessert.
Aimery Cremant de Limoux Grande Cuvee 1531 Brut - Dry, leafy. Abrupt finish. Decent but not too interesting.
Leroy Bourgogne 2004 - Beautiful aroma. Light, lean and very tart. I enjoyed this very much the first time I tried it a few months back but it was not showing well at this lunch. Seemed to lack fruit. Is this a bad bottle or is the wine in a bad place now?
Comtes de Lafon Volany Santenots du Milieu 1er Cru 2002 - Deep color and equally deep aromas of ripe fruit. Dry and firm but quite ready. Very good concentration of fruit. Smoky wood and caramel. Lots of complexity. A little tight on the finish with a refreshing acidity. Very good now but will no doubt improve even more.
Daniel Rion Clos Vougeot Grand Cru 2001 - Sweet fruit and bittersweet chocolate. Very good.
Faiveley Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Damodes 1999 - Attractive, sweet nose. Menthol. Meaty, concentrated wine. Very tight. Dry and a little leafy. Very tannic. My only bottle but those who have this should probably wait at least another 5 years before trying it.
On to dessert:
Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey 1988 - Deep gold. Burnt sugar and caramel. Lightish and not all that sweet. This has some prominent acidity. Some tobacco adds a nice touch. Rather easy to drink. Good, solid wine.
Peller Oak-aged Vidal Icewine 2005 - Honey. Rich texture with high acidity. Passionfruit, pineapple and peach. Good stuff.