Ties that Bind

It was a wonderful time to catch up with only The Man-and None-Other with the Souther-girl together for a quiet get together. We've known them for years and this was a kind of reunion and old times and things we shared came up constantly in discussion. As can be expected, bottles were opened, and they were all significant.

The evening started with a 100% Pinot Noir wine, the new Number 1 Family Estate Rose Methode Traditionnelle. The Beer Goddess turned Wine Goddess and Cycle Saviour Chrissie are there now, and this bottle was a gift. Florals galore on opening giving way to complex Pinot berries and autolysis. Gutsy, yet classy and very approachable. Each of these people have had turmoil, but life has come good. We love 'em to death.

Two U.S.A. wines next. They were a pair to work together, though from different sources. Firstly a 2000 Jayson Napa Chardonnay, by Pahlmeyer. Golden, rich, lush, mealy and broad. A touch of oxidation that was easily forgiven. Given to me by Graceful Cousin. It needed drinking, and who better with than Souther-girl, who gave us the 2005 Mondavi Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. She worked for the Constellation people and we toasted Robert Mondavi again. He was the subject of my first blog. Dark, classic blackcurrants, mint and a little eucalypt, all on a plumpish and firmish palate. An international style.

Then onto to a 1982 Ch. Canon La Gaffeliere St Emilion Grand Cru Classe. An emerging superstar then, now a real superstar. Again, all the credentials for something special. We were all expecting so. This is what we are all on the same wavelength over, in wine. And all in agreement that it was light, dry, austere, green and resiny. Oh dear. That's life.

Finally, a 1989 J.J. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese. We all know to have faith in this label. Always dogged by sulphide in youth, Prums come together after a decade. Glorious gold, honey, minerals toast and limes. Still tight and acidic, yet with a core of flavour and vinous depth. I thought it could go more time - 5+ years. The others felt it was for now.

It was truly a night that reminded us of our friendship, and through the medium of enjoying wine.