TNs: Dom, Cristal, Boillot, Marc Colin, Dugat, Faiveley, Vogue, Leroy, Margaux, more

[Blake Brown]

Most likely all of us with a passion for wine have established truly special friendships and connections through the medium of the world of wine. A recent experience epitomizes the essence of such.

I frequent a few wine related websites that I read and post remarks on. On one of these, I received an invite to play a round of golf in the Pasadena area at a nearby country club and join in on a dinner featuring Champagne and red and white Burgundy with some other website board members, many of whose names I recognized and highly respect, having read many of their comments and tasting notes over the past few years. The invite came from someone I`d never met, but who had surmised I might enjoy this kind of day after reading some of my posts. What a great call!

I accepted immediately, a date was set, overnight lodging accommodations were secured at the Langham Huntington in Pasadena and off I went to share some bliss.

The wines:

1996 DOM PERIGNON- one of my all time Champagne favorites, this was so good out of the gate upon release, I had a struggle to not open all that I purchased and re-purchased; I finally stored a few off premises to just allow for maturation and to make it more difficult to access; this bottle reminded me of why I did that; it was really, really good and as good as any I`ve had; wonderful complexity with a multitude of flavors and bracing acidity; a great start to a great evening.

1990 DOM PERIGNON- a great bring, but unfortunately corked.

2002 CRISTAL- of all of the younger Champagnes I `ve tasted in the past 6 months, this has been showing beautifully and as good as most of my older, top vintage bubblys; It`s kind of like the 96` Dom, I just have to have it from time to time and buy more to store off premises where I can`t get to it so easily; although this was very good, it was not the best I`ve had; it was good enough to go back for a 2nd pour; along with the 96` Dom, my WOTNs.

2002 BOUCHARD CORTON- CHARLEMAGNE- another corked wine.

1992 J.M. BOILLOT BATARD MONTRACHET- 1.5L; a fantastic bottle loaded with nice citrus fruit especially grapefruit with wonderful palate pleasing texture and a layered complexity that pleased even more.

2004 MARC COLIN CHEVALIER-MONTRACHET- highlighted buy its minerality, steely and herbal character, it had an oily mouthfeel and good acidity.

2006 BONNEAU DU MARTRAY CORTON- CHARLEMAGNE- nice ripe stone fruit and citrus notes along with some minerals and a touch of spice in fine balance and good length.

2000 BERNARD DUGAT PY CHARMES CHAMBERTIN- initially the nose gave off a metallic, flinty character which moved on out and gave way to some nice ripe strawberry/ raspberry with a dollop of spice all in a medium body; good, youthful in every way red Burg.

2002 FAIVELEY CHAMBERTIN CLOS DE BEZE- although I liked this a lot, I expected it to be more on the big side and it was anything but; in a medium body, it offered a gentle, pleasing light red cherry/ berry, spiced nose which continued on into the mid palate; probably most impressive was its balance; this is for sipping pleasure and enjoying its velvety texture.

1994 COMTE GEORGES DE VOGUE BONNES MARES- major serious juice here; a true winner with just the right amount of sweet, ripe red and black fruit in perfect balance; silky smooth and full of power yet gentle finesse; my WOTN amongst the red Burgs.

1986 LEROY POMMARD LES VIGNOTS- nicely mature, I liked its complexity and depth carrying along fresh strawberry notes, easiness on the palate and soft, steady finish.

1953 MARGAUX- 375 ml; fortunately, what was inside was a whole lot better than the appearance of the bottle/ label; there was a pleasant surprise of decent fruit, softness and viability for the vintage, age and small bottle format.

Two dessert wines were also on hand:

1997 CHATEAU CLIMENS BARSAC 1er Cru

2005 CHATEAU DOISY- VEDRINES BARSAC 1er Cru

For me, a memorable day of golf, great wines and quality folks and as I often say about stellar experiences, I could do this once a week easy.

Cheers

[Ben Wilson]

While I have not had many corked bottles of Champagne, I've not had a lot of luck with 1990 Dom Perignon. Now, the 1996 Dom you opened has been great since day one!