Friday, October 27, 2006

a 2003 Cali Cab that is actually a good QPR

Funny, I have had about 75 Cabernet offerings from 2003. Some have been great (Gemstone), some decent (Mondavi), but most dissapointing. Here is one that actually has decent QPR qualities; Louis Martini 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast. Yes, you are reading correct, Martini, North Coast. It's about $12 and blows anything in that range away. (even McMannis! , which I did not like).

Bright pleasant cabernet style with not too much negative. Can you ask for more @$12?

a selection of 2004s from Maison Champy

Last night I attended the Champy tasting at the Burgundy Wine Co.

The line-up was 3 whites and 4 reds from this 250+ year old house, all from the 2004 vintage. The winemaker Pierre Meurgey was present and did a great job of explaining Champys philosophy to a group of about 40.

2004 Bourgogne Blanc, Signature. Simple and fruity quaffer, nice acid which echoed in all the whites. NR - $22.00

2004 Pernand-Vergelesses, Blanc AC, This village wine had much more character and great depth and intensity. Crushed stones abound. Wonderful floral notes, some light notes of green apple and pears. A fantastic example of what Chardonnay should be, all for $28.50. This showed much better than price suggest. More like a Grand Cru. For present day enjoyment. 92/100 - $28.50

2004 Saint-Aubin, 1er Cru, Les Murgers des Dents de Chien.
This has all the hallmarks of its breed, but understandably not as approachable. All the intensity and acid level to carry it with food. I say in about 2-3 years this would shine. 90/100 - $40.00

2004 Chorey-les-Beaune. AC. This is a wild clumsy Chorey, not my style. Bright red cherries, Great acid level. I am sure some bottle age would help. 88/100 - $27.00

2004 Gevrey-Chambertain AC Vielles Vignes. Now we are talking. Big intense as my Gevrey should be. Wonderful prettiness on the nose of flowers, black cherries, and slight oak, just enough to almost not notice. Nice. Fantastic bright Gevrey character. Cellar for a year or two, or enjoy now. I will. 93/100 - $45.00

2004 Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru, Les Suchots. In doubling the price from the Gevrey, I knew there was a lot expected. This opens with great bouquet of dark intense fruit. The fruit is hiding a bit on the palate. A very intense wine that is made for the journey. Not showing enough now, but I am sure the patient will be rewarded. 90/100 - $84.00

2004 Gevrey-Chambertain 1er Cru, Les Cazetiers. Very similar to the Vosne, These wines will payoff dividends in 3-5 years. 89/100- $75.00

My taste for Burgundies seems to lean toward immediate enjoyment. The Vielles Vignes hits that mark nicely.
Pierre Meurgey is an affable and pleasant man. It was a nice way to spend 2 hours.