"surprise party".....

[TheEngineer]

Had a few friends over for a dinner party last night (my birthday being the occasion). So I pulled a few to show my appreciation.

The wine of the night without a doubt was the 1998 Gravner which looked entirely oxidixed, the colour of an aged sauternes but man this thing out incredible.

So no notes but some impressions

2006 Paul Pillot Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Grande Montagne, Beautiful floral nose, great mouthfeel, mineral, stones, and very enjoyable right now. Needed a few hours of air to start to show its stuff.

1998 Gravner, 1/2 amphora and 1/2 wood aged, incredible complex and only improved with the 4 hours that it was opened.

2003 Weingut Johannishof (H.H. Eser) Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland Riesling Spätlese, rich, ripe, and nicely balanced.

2005 Domaine Larochette-Manciat Pouilly-Fuissé Les Petites Bruyeres: Corked

1997 Armand Demorey Morey St. Denis 1er Cru Clos des Ormes, Wonderful ethereal nose, light, lifting, very elegant, but the palate is slightly let down by this as it is no as complex. Still a very nicely drinking aged burgundy and should be consumed soon.

2003 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Evenstad Reserve, A solid bottle that was a bit muted, oaky, and on the palate, just did not do much beyond that.

2001 Siro Pacenti. Great nose and wonderfully structure. This wine is showing very well right now and will show more improvements with a bit more time. Glad to have a few left to do that.

1998 C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Imperial Reserva : very traditional Rioja and just starting to show well. This thing must have been massive in its youth.

2000 Robert Mondavi Reserve, ripe, elegant, good nose, slightly herby, showing very well.

2001 Meßmer Burrweiller Schloßgarten Spätburgunder Weißherbst Auslese, Still very pretty, great explosive nose and smooth mouthfeel,

2005 Mission Hill Vidal Icewine 5 Vineyards, Amazing nose of dried lychee, citrus rind, and a wonderful, smooth mouthfeel