I seldom go to big store tastings any more, but the evening series at Zachys is really well done. Large selection, plenty of spitoons, water, impressive array of food (I was sorry we had dinner planned). So I decided to go to the (mostly) 2006 Burgundy tasting last night. Probably 50 wines available, I concentrated on those I didn't own, hadn't tasted, and might want to buy.
NV Godme Rose
I would have skipped this, having had several times, but a glass was handed to me. OK, I'll try- fine and vigorous mousse, cherry/strawberry fruit, fresh baked biscuits. B+
2006 Raphet "Lavaux St Jacques" Gevrey-Chambertin 1er
Red fruit, a little citrus zest, good minerality, good length for the vineyard. B+
2002 Cathiard "Les Malconsorts" Vosne Romanee
Red fruiit, sandalwood and cedar, spice. Good length, lovely wine, integrated wood. A-
2006 Jean Tardy "Les Athets" Chambolle-Musigny
Not a lot there, chunky black cherry fruit, short finish. C+/B-
2006 Jean Tardy "les Boudots" Nuits St George
Darker fruit, spice, lots of oak, but good. B
2006 Jean Tardy "les Treaux" Echezeaux
More wood, but a fine delineated wine with solid red fruit and very good length. B+
2006 Simon Bize "Aux Vergelesses" Savigny-Les-Beaune Blanc
Pear fruit, some hazelnut, some direct oak. Good ripe Chardonnay, not zippy,but not flat. B/B+
2006 Simon Bize "Aux Vergelesses" Savigny-Les-Beaune
(there was also a Les Bourgeots, but I already have that)
Big cherry fruit, spice and orange peel, good length, nice wine.B++
2006 Lafarge "Vendanges Selectionnees" Volnay
Showing well, some ripe tannin, smoke, earth, and red cherry fruit. The dollar has made 2006s so pricey, but might break down for this one. B+/A-
2006 Lafarge "Clos du Chateau des Ducs" Volnay 1er
Bigger, tight, black cherries and a bit of vanilla, big tannins for Volnay. Needs much time. B+?
2005 Lafarge "Clos des Chenes" Volnay 1er Cru
Jacques thought this very tight, but I thought it showed well despite being partially closed (different bottles might be part of it). Tense, but with big plum and cherry fruit, minerally, a bit of mocha. A-
2006 Mugnier "Clos de la Marechal" Nuits St George 1er
I had tried barrel sample of this at domaine in '07, but happy to try again.
Nice masculine Burgundy, dark fruit with soil and leather notes, structured but approachable. Will think about this one. A-/B+
2005 Mugnier/Hospices de Beaune "Cuvee Madelaine Collignon" Mazis Chambertin
Now this is closed, all I get is some oak and tannins, impossible to really get a feel for.
2001 Mugnier Chambolle Musigny (from magnum)
I have some of this (in 750), but deigned to try anyway. Lovely village level wine, elegant but with some underlying power, strawberries and cherries laced with damp earth and smoke. A-
2006 Camille Giroud "Champs Gain" Puligny Montrachet
I enjoyed this, fuller styled, pears, honeysuckle and a little vanilla, but I'm not buying expensive white Burgs these days. B+
2006 Domaine des Croix "Cent Vignes" Beaune
Soft, easy, full but a bit short. B-
2006 Camille Giroud Vosne Romanee
a little edge of brett, but not overwhelming, some spice, good length. B
2006 Camille Giroud Latricieres Chambertin
fairly powerful, somewhat tight, but seems nice. B+?
Nice event, ran into lots of friends, very well done.
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.