Thursday I went to a dinner at Mark?s- this was supposed to be a Magdelaine dinner, but guest of honor from Texas couldn?t make it, so Magdelaine was postponed and a general BYO convened. As I arrived I was handed a glass of 1996 Henriot Enchanteleurs, which I liked but agreed was more mature than expected - took no notes on (I was struggling with a cork or two)
To table, where we had roast lamb and beans, followed by cheeses.
1976 Lopez de Heredia Bosconia Gran Reserva I didn?t know what this was when first poured, I was debating Barbaresco vs Burgundy. Cherries, smoke, and orange zest. Tangy. Elegant, delicate, very tasty. B+/A- 2006 Ch. Ducru-Beaucaillou Quite ripe with black cherry and herbs, a little tobacco and anise with air. I thought well done but I just don?t get a ton of enjoyment from Bordeaux in the tween period. B1986 Ch. Ducru-Beaucaillou Recorked at chateau 2011. Really enjoyed this, tis a shame that most non -rebouchage bottles I?ve have shown taint. Aromatic nose of cigarbox and leather over dark fruits, full and seamless on palate with long finish. That ?86 power yet tannins are quite manageable. A-/A
1989 Bahans Haut Brion Needs some sir but shows quite well- black plum, tobacco and soil, plush and ready. It?s not its big brother, but drinking well now. B+/A-1981 Phelps Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon Minty/eucalyptus nose a la Martha?s, cassis on palate, still going strong B+/A-
1977 Beringer Private Reserve (Mark says first vintage). Riper style than the Phelps, just a touch of pruniness, but good finish. B1997 Chave Hermitage Balanced and elegant, good acids, black olives and herbs, long finish. A-
1983 Jaboulet La Chapelle Hermitage Somewhat tired, dark berry fruit that just seems flat. Maybe not correct. B-1985 Jaboulet La Chapelle Hermitage This on the other hand was alive and elegant, with sandalwood and mocha over lively black fruits. A-
1971 Tommasi Amarone I don?t drink much Amarone, much less aged Amarone, this was a treat. Raspberries and raisin, not hot, earthy. B+Fun night with fun group
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C drinkable. 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.