Côte de Beaune, Sonoma Pinot Noir and Barbaresco Santo Stefano

 First time dining inside with friends at their house in over a year (everyone being vaccinated). Chicken Marbella, scratch-made mashed potatoes and baked carrots were worthy of 3 Michelin stars.... hard to describe how savory and delicious this dish was. Dessert was a beautifully piquant key lime pie.

The 2008 Lequin-Colin Corton Grand Cru Les Languettes stole the show with the Chicken Marbella. If there ever was a match made in heaven, it is grand cru red Burgundy and a hearty chicken dish. The tart cherry and acidity of the burgundy coupled with its wonderful sous bois and spices made for an irresistible combination with the scrumptious bird.

The 2007 Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco Santo Stefano showed beautifully when first uncorked... elegant sweet tannins, richness without being overbearing.  It gained weight over time with the luscious nature of the fruit coming to the forefront and the tannins becoming ever so slightly more clenched. Still, a well balanced wine. I think 5 more years in the cellar will be kind in terms of developing increased complexity instead of just being lip - smackingly delicious. 

The 2007 Paul Hobbs Lindsey Estate was tasty, but perhaps a bit monolithic. The Cuvee Agustina is produced only in special vintages. Frankly, I just didn't give this wine the attention it deserved because of my focus on the Burgundy and the Barbaresco.

All in all, a resplendent evening of warm camaraderie and hope for the future 👍🍷😊

1996 and 2000 Fontanafredda Barolo Lazzarito Delizia

Fun comparison of Serralunga terroir in two different vintages from the Lazzarito cru....

The 2000 vintage was represented well with lush fruit and burnished tannins..... a delightful wine.

The 1996 took 5 hours to open up in a decanter and show well. Beautiful classic structure with refined tannins as a foundation for delicious cherry and creosote palate. The tannins deliver a mouthwateringly addictive pucker on the long finish. The 1996 will easily go another 20 years.

2015 Domaine Marcel Deiss Schoffweg

 14% abv

Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Pinot Bianco

Dipping into Alsatian wine always reminds me of my introduction to the wines of Marcel Deiss, enjoying the beautiful 1989 vintage.

This 2015 Schoffweg shows pear and nectarine palate and honeyed ginger finish offset by dry tonic and mineral notes. Lots of complexity even at this young stage bodes well for future development.

Aged in new and used barrique, I think this treatment works very well with this unique field blend.

Schoffweg faces east and abuts the Altenberg grand cru.

Paired nicely with pork schnitzel accompanied by sauteed green beans and sweet potatoes.

Day 2 notes:
Nose has really blossomed with alluring tropical notes. More complexity on the palate with an unending finish. The tonic accent on the finish has receded and made room for additional spice. 

I absolutely love the artistry and magic of the field blends in the Marcel Deiss wines.

Paired nicely with fried oysters and duck fat potatoes. 

 

Easter wines

 Buona Pasqua!

Enjoyed several different wines... all very tasty.  First time to try the 2016 Schulthauser... nice, but not as elegant as Terlano's Vorberg Riserva cuvee... 

....the Fiano was a bit young.. 

....the Rilly-La-Montagne was delicious, although perhaps not quite as à pointe as a bottle we enjoyed 3 years ago. 

The Vaudieu is entering a nice drinking window..