Tasting Report #2

Again, Another Short Positive Review Trifecta

1) Frederic Esmonin Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Prieur Vertical (2002, 2003, 2005)

Last month, a group of 4 gathered over some crispy duck and tackled three vintages of the Esmonin G-C Clos Prieur. Overall, they were very good. And so was the duck. The 2002, being the oldest of the bunch, showed the most complexity (natch). It had loads of mint and parsley on the nose, along with subtle barnyard and olives notes. It was softer than we would have thought and a bit short. It was a bit sour, but had some nice mild wood happening. This was the favorite among the dudes. The 2003 had a more powerful nose of ripe fruit and cough medicine. The acidity was very good, but it was a bit awkward. Almost some sweetness like cola. Frankly, I don't remember the mouthfeel or finish here (I took poor notes), but it appears that this was the ladies' favorite. The 2005 was just too young, too bright and shrill. But it held promise. Balance was there when you looked beyond the tannin. And the fruit was pure. I'm going to regreat that I opened this child, esp. from a solid year.

2) Ferrando Erbaluce Di Caluso La Torrazza 2006

I know nothing about Italian whites, but wanted one. And this was imported by Neil Rosenthal, so I gave it a try. It was only $16 to boot. Before I opened it, I looked into Erbaluce di Caluse, but didn't find much. A mention here or there that Erbaluce is often compared to Pinot Grigio and most examples of the grape are pedestrian. This ended up being very fine. Rustic and very food-friendly. Clearly well made. And frankly, quite addictive. It comes recommended.

3) Blanchards of Allston tasting of Alsace, Loire and Rhone

This tasting took place on March 31, 2009. A very good tasting, comprised of 6 flights, single-blind (a total of 17 wines tasted). Standouts for me were the 2003 Trimbach Cuvee Frederic Emile Riesling and 2005 Chateuneuf-du-Pape from Domaine de Beaurenard and Domaine de Marcoux. I know 2003 wasn't a good year in Alsace, but the Trimbach was simply stunning to me, a real conversation stopper. It smelled like my Persian carpet's slip mat, for one. It then went on, for a white, to paint one of the most complicated pictures I've seen in a long while, if not ever. I don't attend tastings very often, so I get distracted by the small crowd and have to focus on the task at hand. This was that rare time when a tunnel developed and isolated me. Great stuff. And, a great value.