Ended up with a load of tastings right in a row, very behind on notes. Up to Croton where a nice crew was looking at Domaine Jasmin. John greeted us with an assortment from a newish Loire:producer (with Nady Foucault consulting)
2020 Domaine des Closiers “Allegory” Saumur blanc Crispy, snappy, waxy, I liked a lot2020 Domaine des Closiers “Libere” Val de Loire Maybe it’s my prejudices, but I can’t get behind Loire Chardonnay. This had (to me) weird green bean aromas and moderate acids, not for me but a couple people loved.
2021 Domaine des Closiers “Closiers” Saumur-Champigny Red fruit, tobacco leaf, most approachable.2020 Domaine des Closiers “Coudraies” Saumur-Champigny Big differences of opinion, I was on pro side. Way too young, but this is the one that reminds me of Rougeard.
2019 Domaine des Closiers “Trezellieres” Saumur-Champigny Dense fruit, coffee, cloves, in desperate need of timeThen a couple of bubbles before we got to the Rhone
NV Adam-Mereaux “L’Affut” Champagne New producer to me, light dosage, lots of lemon, ok (others liked more)
NV (2017) Brochet Le Mont Benoit Extra Brut Champagne A step up, savory and supple, tangy with a caramel note
Then to table for Cote-Rotie ( and cheese, saucisson sec, pate, etc) (Note- la Giroflarie is the “regular” Cote Rotie, they started making a luxe cuvee in ‘15 so added the designation)
2017 Jasmin la Giroflarie Cote-Rotie Served in pairs, everyone other than me preferred to the 2016. Ripe, full, big. B 2016 Jasmin la Giroflarie Cote-Rotie I (alone) thought this floral , silky, black fruited. B+2015 Jasmin la Giroflarie Cote-Rotie Big, smoky, long. B+/B
2014 Jasmin Cote-Rotie Red fruited, forest floor, black olives, peppery. A-/B+2013 Jasmin Cote-Rotie Full, lush, a bit new worldy. B
2012 Jasmin Cote-Rotie Red fruited, sprightly, complete. A-2010 Jasmin Cote-Rotie (magnum) Tight, peppery, B for drinking now this format, but will be in A range. (palate break)
2012 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Fuller style of Comtes, sweet red apple fruit, lemon pie, chalk, needs time. Will be great2007 Corbon Blanc de Blancs Brut (2018 disgorgement) Stunning, lovely complete Champagne
Back to Rhone
2005 Jasmin Cote-Rotie Full, sturdy, complete. B+ 2001 Jasmin Cote-Rotie Red fruit, bacon, hint of brett, I liked a lot (more than most?). B+/A-Duck breast with a fruited couscous, with the older Jasmins:
1998 Jasmin Cote-Rotie Spicy, tangy, complex. A-1995 Jasmin Cote-Rotie This seemed a bit tired, though there were some interested roast meat and briar notes. Consensus was an off bottle
1986 Jasmin Cote-Rotie Lovely, quite animal, still some nice black and red fruit, long finish. A-Great night where my only regret is that I was driving (and spitting)
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.