Christmas Eve I was leading a group into city for a party for those
> without, so couldn't really drink. We were at a party beforehand and I
> did take small pours of both the white and the red:
>
> 2007 Clos de la Fine Muscadet
> Saline, mineral, lemon and apple. Good acidity, not bad at all. B >
> 2007 Domaine Brunet Pinot Noir (Vin des Pays, subregion was something
> Mediterranee, new one to me)
> I'm fearful of these VdP Pinots, but this was better than most. Sweet
> red fruits, a little smoky note, not long but drinkable. B-
>
> So we got home at 3 AM. Get up for presents and breakfast of country
> ham, then it was all day cooking, cleaning, and prepping for arrival
> of dinner guests. 12 people means our dining table has to get moved to
> living room, ugh. But a good time was had by all. Guests brought
> hummus, guacamole, proscuitto wrapped melon with sambucco and anise,
> and a liver mousse. We did 2 rib roasts, a vegetable tian (layered
> beets, turnips, etc), potatoes, turnovers, and a spinach salad. Dave
> made an apple pie, Donna brought a trifle, Jonathan a pumpkin pie, and
> Nancy a Lenzertorte!
>
> With big crowd, and only a couple really caring about wine, I didn't
> bring out real cellar treasures. But I put out a long lineup, and let
> those who cared about wine choose a bottle or two:
>
> 2004 Pinon Vouvray Brut (magnum)
> Just lovely bubbly for my tastes. Citrus and applle, Parker House
> rolls, nice length, fine mousse, both elegant and sturdy. B+/A-
>
> 2003 La Leccaiai Brunello di Montalcino (magnum)
> This was chosen earlier and had some time in decanter, was at its best
> hours later. Full bodied, quite ripe, but good acidity considering
> vintage. Floral note, red cherries, a bit of cedar and vanilla. B+/B >
> 1988 Louis Latour Corton
> Dave's pick, as it was his birthyear. Unfortunately for the wine, I
> don't think as much care was expended on the wine as Dave. Some old
> seepage under capsule, and this was cooked. Pruney, maderized, a
> couple of people actually liked it though. C
>
> 1983 Gruaud Larose
> Andy's pick. My WOTN. Cordier funk was too much for one person, but a
> pleasant accent for me. Cassis fruit, cigarbox, and cow pasture. Good
> length, holds up well over entire evening. What mature St Julien > should be. A-/B+
>
> 2004 Finca Allende Rioja (magnum)
> Ron's pick, and several people's favorite. For me it was too sweet,
> with the red cherry fruit invaded by the dreaded blueberry jam. Some
> vanilla from the oak, quite popular with others. C+
>
> I proposed 2 styles of dessert wine, votes for each, so opened two > half bottles:
>
> 1997 Quinta do Passadouro Vintage Port(375)
> Medium bodied, spices and caramel, ok length, not especially tannic. B >
> 2001 Milz Laurentiushof Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Eiswein (375)
> This was a cheap recent purchase, I don't think the producer is
> especially well regarded. This however was a bargain, tropical/papaya
> fruit dappled with citrus, crisp laserlike acidity. Not real long, not
> the best icewine I've ever had, but at� $20 plus vig wish I had gotten > more. B+
>
> Nice time, but I was up past midnight doing dishes/glasses! Not fun
> getting up to come to work on a day others took off. Still, I felt
> blessed to spend day with good family, good friends, good food, and
> (mostly) good wine. Happy Holidays!
>
> 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. > �
What the heck is the deal with the "Cordier funk"? It doesn't seem to matter what year, the barnyard is almost on the verge of being overwhelming. Is it brett?