19-Nov-2004
Hedonistic Friday night dinner at home with our old friends Amihai and Daphna.
Dorit decided on Oriental flavored menu which (at least in theory) presented some wine pairing problems. In practice both the wines I chose turned out perfect match to the dishes they accompanied.
The food was sooooooo good..... Rich in flavors, daring and delicious.
We all had wonderful time enjoying the company the food and the wine.
Tartar of Tuna in Inari pouch
1996 Corton Charlemagne, Bonneau du Martray
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Shrimp and Eggplant in Coconut milk
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Japanese Kabbob
1996 Morey St. Denis 'Clos de la Bussiere', G. Roumier
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Strawberries in whipped cream
| Corton Charlemagne |
1996 |
Bonneau du Martray |
11/2004. Bought at auction Oct-99 for $80.
I have had a few bottles of the '96 B. du Martray Corton Charlemagne in the past and was always amazed by its complexity. But up to now, it always felt like the wine needed more time to open up and show all that it has.
Well, this time it was perfect! A classic Corton Charlemagne with its unique aromas and flavors that no other Grand Cru white posses.
COLOR: Medium golden radiant color.
NOSE: Awesome nose. Rich, powerful deep and broad. Tons of mineral, steel, wet stones and white fruits [pears, apples] aromas. By now the nose reveals it all. Was worth waiting.
TASTE: Mouthfilling, rich, concentrated wine wonderfully structured yet completely yielding by now. Mineral flinty flavors abound. On the palate this Corton Charlemagne is so intense that it had no problem coping with and complementing the rich in flavors and even spicy oriental dishes.
LENGTH: Long persistent delightful aftertaste.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: Full bodied chewy-textured rich and complex wine. If for you Chardonnay implies tropical fruit salad flavors then this wine is not for you! If, on the other hand, you are looking for a bold, multi-layered, concentrated, multidimensional great dry white wine then I can't think of a better example. Perfectly balanced with alcohol, mineral flavors and acidity all live at harmony.
OVERALL: Outstanding! Among the very best Corton Charlemagne I've ever had. At its peak now but will stay there a few years.
MARK: 19/20.aaaaaaaaBUY MORE? Yes.
| Morey St. Denis 'Clos de la Bussiere' |
1996 |
G. Roumier |
11/2004. Acquired from New York, Mar-99 for $47.
I have had this Roumier monopole Premier Cru from Morey-St. Denis many times in the past. It is always a nice wine and the 1990 was especially good.
Believe it or not but this is the first 1996 red Burgundy I am tasting...
COLOR: Medium dark ruby. Slight clearing around the rim. No sediment.
NOSE: Enticing aromas of red fruit mixed with earthy elements and engulfed by complex yet clean 'Bourgogne Nose'. Fantastic nose!
TASTE: A bit disappointing after the great nose. Pleasant, tasty with no fault whatsoever. Yet it feels a bit weak on the palate. Not lacking in flavors but a no great concentration or winyness there. A tad flat and simple, though - as I said - pleasant and tasty.
LENGTH: Medium long pleasant aftertaste.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: Medium bodied, well balanced wine with the nose far outdoing the taste. No great complexity or depth here though not lacking in fruity flavors.
OVERALL: Very Good. Great nose, pleasing taste, well balanced with softish structure. I doubt that time will be beneficial here but maybe I'm wrong.
MARK: 18/20.aaaaaaaaBUY MORE? Maybe.
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yak@yakshaya.com
Copyright 1996-2004.
Jacob "Yak" Shaya.