With Jean back in town (and before I depart tomorrow) we took the opportunity to have a few dinners at home and open some good bottles. Last night was roast chicken and Jean asked for a good Bordeaux. I came back with:
2000 Ch. Beychevelle St. Julien nose: initially, very cedary, becoming more plummy with a strong roasted herbs note palate: initially tight, becoming richer with a good acidic backbone
I had asked Jean if she minded a young wine, and when she replied no I decided to broach our supply of this wine. I gave it a splash decant but it still required about an hour of exposure to show well. It promises a very nice future, though.
Tonight, Jean wanted lamb (and Andrew vociferously assented) so I broiled some lamb chops and opened:
1999 Duckhorn Paraduxx (Zin/CS/Merlot blend) nose: tarry, plummy fruit, a bit of mint palate: full body, a hint of butterscotch
A lot of Zin character to this blend, which put me in mind of Ridge's field blend wines (Geyserville, Lytton Springs). A very nice match with the lamb and a very satisfying wine.
Mark Lipton