Classy wines w/multi-course dinner.

Peter Creasey

Peter Creasey
Christmas season dinner.

RECEPTION:

Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rose NV -- Nice bubbles, refreshing, green apple, hint of minerals, tropical citrus notes, some yeast. [VG - E]

Kongsgaard Napa Roussanne/Viognier '01 -- Medium yellow, fine aromatics, tropical citrus fruits, lightly perfumed, floral note, oily texture, nimble, solid fruit, long full finish. [E]

Served with Smoked Trout Dip with Toast Points.

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DINNER:

Rudd Russian River Valley Bacigalupi Chardonnay '05 -- Yellow-green, intoxicating nose, illusive sweet floral notes, stoney profile, butterscotch component, rich fruits, minerals, someone said a new-world Meursault. [E]

Louis Jadot Meursault '07 -- Medium dark golden color, rich, nice pears, citrus, viscous, honeyed nuances, moderate enticing complexity, spice, smoky, light acid, round fruits. [VG - E]

Served with Cauliflower Soup with Marcona Almond and Piquillo Pepper Relish.

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Beaulieu Vineyard Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon '68 -- Medium dark, dry berry/cherry scents, plums, rich and opulent, berries and cassis, some smokiness, integrated, complex, long finish, Port-like nuances. [E - O)

Chateau Lafite Rothschild '70 -- Medium red, sweet Claret fruits, absolutely lovely, tender texture, supple but not lacking density, mouthfilling, soft evolved tannins, leather, refreshing, tobacco. [E]

Served with Braised Filet of Beef with Foie Gras and Truffles, Scalloped Potatoes, Stuffed Mushrooms.

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Domaine Armand Rousseau Gevrey-Chambertin '85 -- Medium red, red cherry/strawberry, medium bodied, meaty, red fruit, good acidity and minerality, solid, some briariness, smoky gaminess, soft lush red fruits, mellowed tannins, fine typicity, nice spice. [E]

Served with Gorgonzola Tart with Arugula Salad.

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Turley Paso Robles Ueberroth Vyd. Zin '04 -- Dark red, berries, molasses, ripe red and black fruits, chewy zinberries, brambles, some chocolate, oaken notes, alcohol buffered by thick fruit. [E]

Served with Chocolate Chestnut Mousse Cake.

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. . . . . Pete
 
Hi Peter,

Are you a newbie here? I hope you don't mind the callous sophisticates ignoring your fairly nice dinner. Turley does suck doesn't it? I haven't had much luck with 1985 Burgs either YMMV. My tasting experience has been discounted by the new young turks so you are on your own.
 
originally posted by scottwu: Turley ... I haven't had much luck with 1985 Burgs either YMMV.

Scott, You have cited two common controversies.

I don't care much for Turley Zins normally and never buy them (this despite the fact that I am a big Zin enthusiast). The Turley Ueberroth was a gift and was served based on (i) what might be expected after reading other reviews and (ii) how it might pair with the chocolate dessert. This Turley bottling seemed more mainstream with nothing to find bothersome.

The 1985 Burgundies have had detractors (and also supporters!) virtually since their release. I respect the folks who are critical of them but I have had only good luck with them myself. I still have a few others that I'm in no hurry to pull. This Rousseau Gevrey was very well received by the knowledgeable folks on this occasion (for what it's worth in discussing the '85s in general!?!).

. . . . . Pete
 
originally posted by Thor:
I know that dude! (ObFTaRW)

Translation please (IHTFP)? I'm an ex-wine geek these days on permanent hiatus. They drag me out like an old ox to please the crowds off of difficult restaurant wine lists. Sort of like Burt Lancaster in "1900".
 
Zin and chocolate sucks, I don't care who has made the Zin. Terrible choice IMHO. The rest of the menu and food looks reasonable.
 
originally posted by Lou Kessler: Zin and chocolate

Lou, I wouldn't go so far as to say all chocolate treatments go well with all Zins. Nor would I say they never go well together!

You will notice the chocolate dessert featured here was not a heavy chocolate. Plus it included the ameliorating effects of the nuttiness and mousse.

There has to be a balance between the intensity of the chocolate and the profile of the Zin. Given a judicious balance, there have been numerous pairings of chocolate with Zins which I have enjoyed.

Not intended as a lecture...just offering a counterpoint from my own perspective!

. . . . . Pete
 
originally posted by scottwu:
originally posted by SFJoe:
It is "hear, hear." As in, "hear him, hear him." As in, this guy has something to say.

There you are Joe PBR 23 cents a can in Chengdu.

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