Some times it transpires that chemists of my professional acquaintance also share my passion for wine. Such was the case this weekend when a prominent chemistry professor from Princeton happened to let slip that he cellared wine and a had a particular fondness for Chateauneuf. One thing led to another and tongight we ended up with two famous professors sipping wine in our living room after a day-long symposium.
1990 Domaine du Pègaü Cuvée Réservée nose: cherries, minerals palate: medium-full, smooth, cherries, mild funk, good balance
Our wino guest had mentioned that a '94 Pegau had rocked his world, so I opened the '90, an early purchase made shortly after moving to Indiana. Still fairly primary but lovely, it would have gone well with a smoked game bird.
2001 D'Arenberg "The Footbolt" Shiraz nose: eucalyptus, blueberries palate: medium body, streamlined, smooth fruit
Our other guest expressed a love of Aussie Shiraz and this was the only one in the cellar. Quite good for its genre, it maintained its balance.
Mark Lipton