Share the Love

It was about time to open a few big names, and what better occasion than the arrival of a couple of wine-lovin' guests. After a look at a number of Iberian numbers, which were no slouches, we headed on out to the Cafe Gal's for a quick bite to eat. There were six of us in the end, including SWMBO and myself: The Chairman, Young Mad Turk, AC Electric Man and The Russian.

We started off with a 2007 Bruno Giascosa Roero Arneis, clean, crispish and surprisingly light, almost insubstantial, but positive. Then on to the heavyweights straight away. 1983 Ch. Lafite-Rothschild and 1983 Ch. Latour. The classic comparison at the top level. Both were pleasingly dark colored, indicating no hurry. The Lafite started hard, lean austere and tannic, the Latour sweeter, rounded and more complete. But with air time, as Lafite does, a perfume and ethereal quality, with fruit filling in the gaps. Really this was still quite unresolved. SWMBO and The Chairman were fans of this. The Young Mad Turk and myself fans of the Latour. We all agreed that 1983 came in the shadow of 1982 and was underestimated. We need to check this out more... It was fun to share these treats.

Then a young treat in the same class as the Bordeaux first-growths. A 2004 Ornellaia 'Masseto', 100% Merlot and outstanding with it. A dose of VA at first, and all over the place. As it breathed, the depth, richness and class came very evident. This weas my wine of the night, as probably was for the Young Mad Turk. Mind you, it was his bottle... He shared the love with this one.

And to follow at the Cafe Gal's place was a 2007 Gunderloch Nackenheimer Rothenberg Riesling Auslese 2006. Light golden hued, with a smoky wild yeast nose mixing it with the pure fruit. Not promising to me. But boy, did it deliver decadence on the palate. Breadth with weight, almost Rheinpfalz in style. Yellow fruits, exotic fruits, botrytis too. But enough acidity to make it work. The Russian loved it with his exotic fruit pudding.

We headed home for another couple of bottles. The 1996 Penfolds Bin 707 Cab Sauv was dull, flat and lacking fruit. The Chairman said probably oxidised. We agreed with the Chairman, as we should all do. So a 2001 Ch. Suduiraut finished off the night. Magical how these '01s are so classical and maturing up now. It has lost its VA annoyance. Oily Semillon and lots of bot with good alcohol body. Starting to soften a tad, but in no way broad. What a lovely wine to share!