A friendly Russian and I traveled by public transport to Jay’s in Jersey City (Betsy came later and drove us home) for a lovely party on the 4th floor patio. Clouds kept it cool, lovely day for a party. Jay and Arnold had lechon, squid sisig, cauliflower, gougeres, choucroute, andouille, ‘nduja, cheeses, desserts. Rest of us contributed smoked trout mousse, pasta salad, Brussels sprouts, more desserts. I didn’t take real notes, just had some impressions.
Champagnes NV Camille Saves Rose Champagne Jay had said a previous bottle was a bit disappointing, but I liked this one. Soft, cherries and raspberries, ready to go.
NV Seleque Solessence Extra Brut Champagne (disgorged March 2016, 2013 base) Stony, chalky, Granny smith fruit, good yeasty finish.
2006 Vilmart Coeur de Cuvee Champagne Very full, both dosage and oak seem to be showing, but I really grew to like this.MSR Rieslings
1997 Von Schubert/Max. Grunhauer Abstberg Kabinett Probably my WOTN in very strong competition. Herby, fresh, bright, complex.2001 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Spatlese Still young, a bit tropical, nice ‘01 acids.
I missed a ‘21 JJPrum Auslese that others liked.
2019 Falkenstein Krettnacher Euchariusberg Auslese Vibrant and taut, light on its feet, excellent with long futureHow often do you go to a potluck with 2 bocksbeutels?
2021 Wirsching Silvaner Citrus, spice, pistachios. Fun2012 Weltner Hoheleite Riesling GG Never seen a Franconian GG before. Lemon, ginger, a little petrol, not super long but interesting.
3 Natty Chenins 3 wines from Ch. de Bonnezeaux, which turned out to be pretty dry. 2020 Ch. de Bonnezeaux La Minee Haute Crisp, wooly, but a little mousy2020 Ch. de Bonnezeaux La Montagne Tangy, good length, someone said it too was mousy but I didn’t get.
2020 Ch. de Bonnezeaux Les Coqueries Lemon and canteloupe, beeswax, probably my favorite of 3, but at $60 + not a buyerReds
2014 Clos Roche Blanche Pif Pepper, pine needle, black raspberry, tangy and fun,.1998 Jadot Bonnes Mares Rich, black cherry and woodsmoke, surprisingly blocky for BM.
2004 Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino Someone said too young, but I thought there was a touch of ashtray that indicated the beginning of a slide. Cherries and leather, smoke turning to ashtray2015 Burgaud Cote Rotie Young, smoky, a little animal and smoked meat. I liked.
2015 Xavier Gerard Cote Rotie This seemed glossy in comparison, didn’t love.1987 Kalin Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve More high toned than recent bottles, I liked but didn’t love
2019 Birichino Mourvedre Old Vines Snappy fruit, quite spicy, fun. New producer to me1994 Ch. La Louviere This seemed muted and stolid, owner said not typical I think.
Stickies
1997 Pierre-Bise Quarts de Chaume Wool, orange marmalade, honeycomb, very good.1995 Foreau/Clos Naudin Vouvray Moelleux Reserve Caramelly, honied apricot, more developed than I expected
I probably forgot something. Very fun day, great wines, great food, great company.