Kay Bixler
Kay Bixler
Some notes:
Last of the '97 Breton Grandmont Bourgueil. Bought a case on release and have been going back and forth over the last few years as to wether it is heading up or down. This bottle was quite lovely, gentle in the mouth, still lots of fruit and perfect balance. Ready to drink right now. Bye old friend.
Following the old cliche, on a Tuesday night we made some pizza and opened a '97 Leoville Barton. At first a bit disjointed, the acidity made for an awkward mouthful of wine. After an hour in the decanter it came around very nicely. A classic glass of Bordeaux; light on its feet, aromas of toasty wood and plum fruit, seamless on the palate with a long, gravelly finish. Not hugely complex but very satisfying and even better the next day. Not too bad for an alleged cruise ship vintage, it seems to have some life ahead of it.
Had a few current wines as well: 2010 Clos Roche Blanche Sauvignon No.2; can't remember if this is the regular bottling or the special one, either way it is it's usual beautiful self with hints of cherry, lots of depth and remarkable balance.
2011 (though it might have been the 2010--whatever, the current release) Tue Boeuf La Butte gamay was at first kind of whacky with an off putting geranium aroma but once dinner hit the table all was well and the wine started to disappear quite quickly. There was a little leftover and it held up surprisingly well into the next day but the last dregs on day 3 had oxidized. Interesting gamay but maybe not for me.
2011 Raffault Chinon Rosé was clean and easy and, unlike all the rosé I've been encountering at parties this summer, it did not have a nose full of sulphur. That alone makes it a winner. Pretty wine and a good value.
Best,
Kay
Last of the '97 Breton Grandmont Bourgueil. Bought a case on release and have been going back and forth over the last few years as to wether it is heading up or down. This bottle was quite lovely, gentle in the mouth, still lots of fruit and perfect balance. Ready to drink right now. Bye old friend.
Following the old cliche, on a Tuesday night we made some pizza and opened a '97 Leoville Barton. At first a bit disjointed, the acidity made for an awkward mouthful of wine. After an hour in the decanter it came around very nicely. A classic glass of Bordeaux; light on its feet, aromas of toasty wood and plum fruit, seamless on the palate with a long, gravelly finish. Not hugely complex but very satisfying and even better the next day. Not too bad for an alleged cruise ship vintage, it seems to have some life ahead of it.
Had a few current wines as well: 2010 Clos Roche Blanche Sauvignon No.2; can't remember if this is the regular bottling or the special one, either way it is it's usual beautiful self with hints of cherry, lots of depth and remarkable balance.
2011 (though it might have been the 2010--whatever, the current release) Tue Boeuf La Butte gamay was at first kind of whacky with an off putting geranium aroma but once dinner hit the table all was well and the wine started to disappear quite quickly. There was a little leftover and it held up surprisingly well into the next day but the last dregs on day 3 had oxidized. Interesting gamay but maybe not for me.
2011 Raffault Chinon Rosé was clean and easy and, unlike all the rosé I've been encountering at parties this summer, it did not have a nose full of sulphur. That alone makes it a winner. Pretty wine and a good value.
Best,
Kay