Florida Jim
Florida Jim
Once and awhile, I see what’s on the back shelf of the cellar.
’99 Rousseau, Clos St. Jacques: bought on release, I had considered opening this only for special occasions. Today, Monday seemed special enough. Decanted off some sediment. It’s a little tired but the earth of Gevrey is evident and the wine seems sound. Expansive aromatics and quite good accompanying an onion tart made with potatoes, anchovies and olives. But its texture is not up to standard and I’d say, it’s just past peak, for me.
’99 Trimbach, Clos St. Hune: Also purchased on release and like several of its brethren Hune’s, all purchased at the same time, this is damaged by oxidation but not destroyed. The precision and density are still intact but the aromatics and finish suffer. With a delicious curry dish, it matches well but on its own, the flaw is evident. A reminder that older bottles are a crap shoot and sometimes, you lose.
’99 Hirtzberger, Singerriedel: And sometimes you win. Purchased within a year of release this is the stuff of dreams. Complex nose, crystalline flavors all in harmony, powerful structure, perfect balance and great length. The best of and the last of, six bottles I had. With heavier goat cheeses, wonderful.
I can no longer afford such rarities nor do I think I should be cellaring much wine (or buying green bananas). But it is a treat to wander in the past and to do it with just the two of us, over an evening, with food.
I wonder what else is on the back shelf?
Best, Jim
’99 Rousseau, Clos St. Jacques: bought on release, I had considered opening this only for special occasions. Today, Monday seemed special enough. Decanted off some sediment. It’s a little tired but the earth of Gevrey is evident and the wine seems sound. Expansive aromatics and quite good accompanying an onion tart made with potatoes, anchovies and olives. But its texture is not up to standard and I’d say, it’s just past peak, for me.
’99 Trimbach, Clos St. Hune: Also purchased on release and like several of its brethren Hune’s, all purchased at the same time, this is damaged by oxidation but not destroyed. The precision and density are still intact but the aromatics and finish suffer. With a delicious curry dish, it matches well but on its own, the flaw is evident. A reminder that older bottles are a crap shoot and sometimes, you lose.
’99 Hirtzberger, Singerriedel: And sometimes you win. Purchased within a year of release this is the stuff of dreams. Complex nose, crystalline flavors all in harmony, powerful structure, perfect balance and great length. The best of and the last of, six bottles I had. With heavier goat cheeses, wonderful.
I can no longer afford such rarities nor do I think I should be cellaring much wine (or buying green bananas). But it is a treat to wander in the past and to do it with just the two of us, over an evening, with food.
I wonder what else is on the back shelf?
Best, Jim
