We had a wine dinner at Rue Cler with Deb Lewis from Vintage 59, I don't have a picture of the menu, but the pairings were excellent and not at all wierd.
Jacquesson Champagne Brut Grand Cru "Cuvée 740" NV
Based on 2012 base, this was outstanding. Really fine mousse and creamy mouthfeel, intense and long but not aggressively structured the way some can be. Interesting after having the 736 (2008 base) twice last week. I can see this developing in a similar way, but being more generous.
Dom. Des H“tes Chablis 2016
New producer, this is only OK. Not particularly mineral but with an interesting piney streak.
Joseph Voillot Volnay 1er Cru "Les Champans" 2015
This was awesome and maybe the most generous young Voillot I've ever had. Excellent intensity and depth of fruit and deliciousness. You can feel the structure underneath and it has a stony quality to it. Really outstanding.
Dom. Haut-Cances Cairanne "Cuvée Vielles Vignes" 2013
Based on 100+ year old grenache vines, this is decidedly old school and very much on the savory end of the spectrum rather than the fruity end. 13.5% alcohol on the label and it certainly doesn't see hot. Tons of savory garrigue with fruit in a supporting role and a fine tannic structure. Very good.
Le Rocher des Violettes Montlouis "Negrette" 2015
The wines of Xavier Weisskopf have been a revelation to me over the last couple of years. These are his oldest chenin vines, all pre-WWII. We double-decanted it a couple hours before serving. Really almost painfully intense. Mouthwatering mineral structure and piercing fruit, flowers and maybe herbs. Will definitely benefit from a few years in the cellar.
Jacquesson Champagne Brut Grand Cru "Cuvée 740" NV
Based on 2012 base, this was outstanding. Really fine mousse and creamy mouthfeel, intense and long but not aggressively structured the way some can be. Interesting after having the 736 (2008 base) twice last week. I can see this developing in a similar way, but being more generous.
Dom. Des H“tes Chablis 2016
New producer, this is only OK. Not particularly mineral but with an interesting piney streak.
Joseph Voillot Volnay 1er Cru "Les Champans" 2015
This was awesome and maybe the most generous young Voillot I've ever had. Excellent intensity and depth of fruit and deliciousness. You can feel the structure underneath and it has a stony quality to it. Really outstanding.
Dom. Haut-Cances Cairanne "Cuvée Vielles Vignes" 2013
Based on 100+ year old grenache vines, this is decidedly old school and very much on the savory end of the spectrum rather than the fruity end. 13.5% alcohol on the label and it certainly doesn't see hot. Tons of savory garrigue with fruit in a supporting role and a fine tannic structure. Very good.
Le Rocher des Violettes Montlouis "Negrette" 2015
The wines of Xavier Weisskopf have been a revelation to me over the last couple of years. These are his oldest chenin vines, all pre-WWII. We double-decanted it a couple hours before serving. Really almost painfully intense. Mouthwatering mineral structure and piercing fruit, flowers and maybe herbs. Will definitely benefit from a few years in the cellar.
