Last night was the kickoff dinner. VLM was his usual Sparkling Self as host, calling on one of our finer local establishments to treat us like (drunken) kings and queens.
Way too many delicious wines for proper notes, but in the beginning, there was lots of champagne. 2007 Vilmart Coeur de Cuvée was one of the standouts for my palate as was the rich elegant and lively 2006 Ulysse Collin Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, tasted much younger to my palate. Both reinvigorated my interest in champagne. Also plenty of love for the filigreed 2011 Filaine Sensuum Vertigo Brut.
Still whites were also winners. My 2012 Rebholz Im Sonnenschein Riesling and 2012 Rebholz Ganz Horn Im Sonnenschein Riesling went over well, although I was focusing more on what other people brought. 2012 Ganevat Les Chalasses Marnes Bleues was particularly fun, it might even be several years since I've had savagnin, and this was in a lovely place for my palate. Same for the 1999 Knoll Ried Loibenberg GV Smaragd which was rich mellowed but still fresh enough to keep my mouth happy and a glorious match with the ravioli that included mushrooms and fennel.
Lots and lots of nebbiolo but three of the standouts were 1995 Giacosa Santo Stefano, 1997 Giacosa Asili and 1996 Giacosa Asili Riserva. Nobody was surprised on that front. Some debate about 1996 Giacomo Conterno Cascina Francia, which I felt was blocky and awkward but others found it to show gloriously at times. I also particularly enjoyed 1996 Cantalupo Ghemme Collis Carellae so fresh refreshing and drinkable, but with nicely aged character.
Michael brought out the 1998 Gouges Les St. Georges as an hommage to nebbiolo, but the Burgundy character stood out when compared to actual nebbiolos. It probably has more time to unwind and reveal the finer details but it was lovely to drink last night, to the extent one could pay proper attention!
Towards the end, Kirk popped 1998 Müller-Catoir Mussbacher Eselshaut Riesling Eiswein which went on and on and on, much like the evening's festivities.
Somehow the majority of the troops are rallying for lunch and dinner today. But I'm tapped out.
Long live the Southern Jeebus!
Way too many delicious wines for proper notes, but in the beginning, there was lots of champagne. 2007 Vilmart Coeur de Cuvée was one of the standouts for my palate as was the rich elegant and lively 2006 Ulysse Collin Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, tasted much younger to my palate. Both reinvigorated my interest in champagne. Also plenty of love for the filigreed 2011 Filaine Sensuum Vertigo Brut.
Still whites were also winners. My 2012 Rebholz Im Sonnenschein Riesling and 2012 Rebholz Ganz Horn Im Sonnenschein Riesling went over well, although I was focusing more on what other people brought. 2012 Ganevat Les Chalasses Marnes Bleues was particularly fun, it might even be several years since I've had savagnin, and this was in a lovely place for my palate. Same for the 1999 Knoll Ried Loibenberg GV Smaragd which was rich mellowed but still fresh enough to keep my mouth happy and a glorious match with the ravioli that included mushrooms and fennel.
Lots and lots of nebbiolo but three of the standouts were 1995 Giacosa Santo Stefano, 1997 Giacosa Asili and 1996 Giacosa Asili Riserva. Nobody was surprised on that front. Some debate about 1996 Giacomo Conterno Cascina Francia, which I felt was blocky and awkward but others found it to show gloriously at times. I also particularly enjoyed 1996 Cantalupo Ghemme Collis Carellae so fresh refreshing and drinkable, but with nicely aged character.
Michael brought out the 1998 Gouges Les St. Georges as an hommage to nebbiolo, but the Burgundy character stood out when compared to actual nebbiolos. It probably has more time to unwind and reveal the finer details but it was lovely to drink last night, to the extent one could pay proper attention!
Towards the end, Kirk popped 1998 Müller-Catoir Mussbacher Eselshaut Riesling Eiswein which went on and on and on, much like the evening's festivities.
Somehow the majority of the troops are rallying for lunch and dinner today. But I'm tapped out.
Long live the Southern Jeebus!
