27-December-2002
Every year, towards the end of December, Bobby and Bea our friends from Switzerland visit Israel. For the fourth year now, we invite them [together with Miriam from Jerusalem] for a nice dinner with good wines at our home.
This time Dorit prepared a superbly tasty dishes, under the title "Homish Winter Menu"
As always, the food wine and company were of the highest quality. We all had a wonderful time.
Homemade Lasagna Ragu
1993 Charmes Chambertin, D. Laurent
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Beef Soup with egg noodles
1990 Domaine de Trevallon, E. Durrbach
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Meat Loaf with Dauphinee potatoes
1986 Chateau Margaux
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Pavlova with Forest Fruits
| Charmes Chambertin |
1993 |
D. Laurent |
12/2002. Bought at auction Sep-97 for $120.
Dominique Laurent is a top-level negociant, known for his stringent choice of suppliers as well as for his intensive use of new oak.
COLOR: Medium-dark ruby red, some clearing around the rim.
NOSE: Very deep red and black fruit aromas with clean enticing 'Bourgogne Nose'. Wood is noticeable but not as overwhelming as I was afraid it would be.
TASTE: Well structured and tasty on the palate. Still young yet pleasurable even now. Soft delicate winyness with medium concentration. Fruity flavors surrounded by round tannins and good acidity.
LENGTH: Medium long aftertaste that lingers.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: Medium bodied wine that is very well made. Depth of flavors with excellent balance between structure, body, fruit, tannins and acidity.
OVERALL: Superb. Not the most complex (B) ever, but wholesome, tasty and a fine example of a Grand Cru.
MARK: 18.5/20.aaaaaaaaBUY MORE? Yes.
| Domaine de Trevallon |
1990 |
E. Durrbach |
12/2002. Acquired from France, Jun-01 for $70.
I must confess that this unique pearl from Provence has become one of my most favorite wines. Made by Eloi Durrbach from 50%-50% Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 1990 Trevallon can proudly compare with the best of the bunch.
COLOR: Dark opaque red-black color. Thin clearing around he rim. Some sediment on the bottle.
NOSE: Voluptuous sensual nose bursting out of the glass. Black semi-ripe fruit and spices are engulfed by the most beautiful barnyardy notes not unlike those of from the southern Rhone. Deep, rich and harmonious aromas. A stunning nose!
TASTE: Delicious multi-layers of ripe fruity flavors. Deep complex concentrated winyness. Fleshy, extrovert, expressive and immensely tasty.
LENGTH: Very long and multi-flavored aftertaste.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: Medium-full bodied wine. Vigorously concentrated wine of viscous texture that is superbly balanced.
OVERALL: Outstanding!. Extremely delicious now but will hold for many more years.
MARK: 19/20.aaaaaaaaBUY MORE? Yes.
| Chateau Margaux |
1986 |
Margaux |
12/2002. Bought at auction Dec-95 for $140 [current market price $270-$300].
During the last few months I have tasted a few 1986 top Bordeaux. Both the Cheval Blanc and the Ch. Lafite we fantastic. This is my first taste of the 1986 Ch. Margaux.
COLOR: Deep purple-ruby, almost no clearing around the rim. Some sediment.
NOSE: Impressive nose of blackcurrant, chocolate, some tar notes and a pleasant oak backdrop. Very deep very stylish and classic nose.
TASTE: On the palate the wine is poised, extremely elegant and very tasty. Deep concentrated flavors with plenty of winyness at the core. Wonderfully structured yet silky and smooth. Extremely stylish with breed reflected in all its aspects.
LENGTH: Very long and reverberating aftertaste.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: Full bodied, very serious wine whose velvety structure and sublime elegance attest to its pedigree. Wonderfully harmonious and balanced.
OVERALL: Outstanding! Another 1986 Bordeaux winner. Perfectly enjoyable now but will last for ages.
MARK: 19/20.aaaaaaaaBUY MORE? yes.
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yak@yakshaya.com
Copyright 1996-2003.
Jacob "Yak" Shaya.