Wine and Small Bites Destin neighborhood gathering

Wine and Small Bites neighborhood gathering … 

Visiting our Destin vacation home, we welcomed new neighbors Dennis and Lisa and gathered to meet for a casual “Wine and small bites” gathering. 

We missed Fletcher, under the weather, and several other regulars who were traveling, but enjoyed a casual gathering none-the-less. 

We grilled BBQ ribs and flank steak served with Brussel sprouts. Accompaniments include five artisan cheeses and a medley of fresh fruits and vegetables. 

The cheese flight …. 

Beverages served were a selection of craft beers, alcoholic and alcohol free spritzers, sodas and juices. 

I opened two red and two white wines for sipping and pairing with the foods - two I brought from our home cellar whose time it was to drink, and two high QPR selections from the local fine wine retailer. 

Domaine Louis Latour Aloxe-Corton, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy Pinot Noir 2005 

CellarTracker records show I purchased this wine in 2010. At fifteen years, this is within but nearing the end of its optimal drinking window, hence I pulled it from the cellar for consumption. Tonight was a perfect occasion to taste and share this wine.  

This is from the centuries old Domaine Louis Latour one of Burgundy’s oldest negociant domaine producers of a large portfolio of wines ranging from $25 to $300. This label is 100% Pinot Noir from the Côte de Beaune region, village and appellation of  Aloxe-Corton.

The village of Aloxe-Corton is located in the north of Côte de Beaune on a stony hillside at the foot of the hill of Corton. It was in 1862 that the name of the climat Corton was added to the village name Aloxe. The vineyards of Domaine Louis Latour surround the famous village and yield a classic Aloxe-Corton.

Latour’s estate vines average 30 years, grown in limestone, alluvial sand, and gravel soils that produce structured age worthy wines.

 

The 2005 Louis Latour Aloxe-Corton hails from a legendary, classic Burgundy vintage and is now fully mature. The 2005 red Burgundy vintage is widely celebrated as an exceptional, structured and age-worthy classic "dream vintage" built for long-term aging. 

This release was aged for 10 to 12 months in French oak barrels with 15% new oak from the Louis Latour cooperage.

Winemakers notes - (Tasted January 2007)  “This wine will entice you with its vegetable notes and its subtle mint hints. The bouquet is completed with aromas reminiscent of black currant blossoms. Once on the palate the tannins are light and the flavors of jammed fruits, and even marmalade will ravish your palate. A harmonious wine which will taste wonderfully in two years.”

At fifteen, the label, foil and most importantly the fill level and cork were pristine. Dark ruby colored, medium bodied, concentrated, firmly structured yet nicely balanced, red currant, ripe red raspberry and plum with hints of cranberry fruits with notes of spice, hints of savory leather and tobacco, black pepper, and vanilla from oak aging, with a supple yet firm tannic structure on a long earthy mature finish. 

RM 89 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?369984

Beringer Private Reserve Napa Valley Chardonnay 2014

This is from Beringer, California's longest continuously operating winery, founded by Jacob and Frederick Beringer in 1876. Visitors to Napa Valley flock to the Beringer estate castle-like Chateau on Hwy 29, just as you leave the town of St Helena headed north towards Calistoga. 

This is the flagship Chardonnay from one of the most storied producers in Napa Valley. Beringer dates back 1868, when Jacob Beringer, emigrated from Germany, and settled in Napa Valley 1869 where the rocky hillside soil and fertile valley floor resembled that of vineyards back home in Germany. He became cellar foreman for Charles Krug, one of the first commercial winemakers in Napa Valley. In 1875, he and his brother Jacob purchased 215 acres adjacent to Charles Krug in St. Helena for $14,500. The Beringer Brothers' first harvest and crush followed in 1876 producing nearly 40,000 gallons of wine, or 18,000 cases, that first year. 

Beringer established many 'firsts' as leaders in the wine industry. They were one of the first gravity fed facilities and among the first to operate using hand dug caves and cellars. Beringer were the first to give public tours in 1934, starting a Napa Valley hospitality tradition. 

Beringer were the first and only winery to have both a red and a white wine named #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator Magazine. The Beringer Cabernet was named #1 Wine of the Year for the 1986 Cabernet by Wine Spectator (1990 edition). Six years later, Wine Spectator named the 1994 Chardonnay #1 Wine of the Year (1996 edition) - this is special because not only is it the first time a white wine has ever garnered that top spot, but Beringer was the first and only winery to ever have both a red and a white wine in that top slot.

Former Chief Winemakers Myron Nightingale and Ed Sbragia created the Private Reserve program in 1977 as the flagship labels of the portfolio. The Private Reserve Chardonnay was introduced with the 1978 vintage, and together these wines have earned three decades of extraordinary accolades, including two "Wine of the Year" awards. The 2015 and 2016 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon vintages were awarded back to back 99-point scores.

The fruit for this label is primarily sourced from their Gamble Ranch property in the Oakville AVAof Napa Valley. Only the finest lots were then selected for inclusion in this Private Reserve bottling. Each lot was kept separate from harvest all the way through the winemaking process. The wine was 100% barrel-fermented in French oak (80% new) with weekly lees stirring and 100% malolactic fermentation  to enrich the texture and profile, then aged for 9 months in predominately new French oak.

Upon release back in 2014, I picked up a few bottles, then picked up a few more. I should've grabbed more but I waited till I actually tried it to come to this conclusion, not based on the review.

This release was rated 95 points by James Suckling and Decanter, 92 points by Wine Spectator and 91 points by Vinous.

The Winemaker's tasting notes: "Aromas of grilled pineapple, ripe pear, lemon oil, hazelnut and toasted brioche. A bright fruit core is accentuated by a silky texture and flavors of yellow apple, Asian pear, meyer lemon and a lush, continuous finish.”  

We tasted and I wrote about this label back in 2019 in this blogpost - https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2019/07/beringer-private-reserve-napa.html.

Tonight’s tasting was largely consistent with that earlier review, however, at a dozen years, this wine was starting to show its age and it likely nearing the end of its optimal drinking window, so it should be consumed over the coming year or so. 

This was butter colored, medium full bodied, complex, rich, round, bright lively buttery creamy notes of crème brulée, notes of caramel and hazelnut with apple and citrus fruits accented by spice and toasty oak with hints of vanilla apple and peach on the long nicely balanced finish.

RM 92 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2256991

https://www.beringer.com/

I also opened another red and white, each with contrasting styles for comparing and sharing. Both of these labels were obtained at our local fine wine shop and proved to provide very nice QPR - Quality Price Ratios. Notes to follow. 

This winery direct purchase was recommended by Wade Stirewalt, Wine Director at The Wine Bar at Wine World, our local fine wine merchant. It is sourced directly from Navigator Wine Collection, an independent wine company based in Napa, California - a negociant producer/distributor. 

They offer more than 150 wines that recently earned 90-point scores or higher from the industry pundits  including Wine Enthusiast, Decanter, and James Suckling, 

Navigator Wine Collection is run by Taylor Case who began his wine career in 1995 at a restaurant with a 1,200-selection wine list, which sparked a lifelong passion for the industry. He’s worked in leadership at major distributorships Breakthru Beverage, Vineyard Brands, Wilson Daniels, and Folio. 

Taylor has supported the Destin Charity Wine Auction for more than 15 years, sponsors of the annual SoWal Wine Event featured in these pages Pour Boys gather for SoWal Wine Festival weekend in Destin, and SoWal Wine Festival Sandestin.

Performance Chardonnay, Carneros 2025

This 100% Chardonnay is sourced from leading vineyards in the Carneros Appellation down at the bottom of Napa Valley near San Pablo Bay where the cool fog and breezes waft in creating the perfect cooler climate for Chardonnay. 

This was barrel aged for 12 months in French oak.

This new release was rated 94 points by The Tasting Panel and 91 points by Wine Enthusiast. 

“A spectacular showing of ripe pear, MacIntosh apple tart, and tangerine cream. We give it a standing ovation for bright acidity and a gliding mouthfeel. Sandalwood and lemon meringue influence the sumptuous finish.” Meredith May at The Tasting Panel Magazine

It was crafted by winemaker Mike Rayner who grew up in a family with six generations in Sonoma County. After completing his studies at UC Davis, Mike began his winemaking career at Domaine Chandon, working on “méthode traditionnelle” sparkling wines. He also held key roles from Cellar Master to Winemaker at Carneros Creek Winery, Havens Wine Cellars, Newton Vineyard, Draxton Wines, and as Head Winemaker for Cameron Hughes Wine.

Mike is assisted by Associate Winemaker Lorena Hernandez. Born and raised in Oregon, Lorena earned her bachelor’s degree in Enology from Fresno State and began her career with E. & J. Gallo, then at Oak Ridge Winery as an Assistant Winemaker. 

Winemaker Notes - “ This Napa Valley Chardonnay unfolds with inviting aromas of ripe pear, golden apple, and fresh peach, layered with subtle notes of vanilla and toasted almond. Hints of lemon curd and warm baking spice lend depth and complexity, while the palate reveals generous orchard fruit wrapped in a rich, creamy texture. Balanced acidity brings freshness and poise, leading to a long, polished finish with lingering notes of ripe fruit, vanilla, and delicate toast.”

Refined and expressive, this Carneros Chardonnay offers ripe pear, golden apple, and peach with hints of vanilla and toasted almond.  This was golden colored, medium bodied, crisp vibrant pear and apple fruits with nutty refreshing tangy acid on a pleasant balanced finish. 

RM 91 points. 

Turning Point Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

We discovered and acquired this wine this summer at Wine World and found it be a high QPR enjoyable casual sipping red which we’ve enjoyed with pizza as well as grilled beefsteaks.  

This is another negociant producer collaboration, wherein the producer does not own the vineyards, but sources fruit (grapes) from growers, or even purchases excess wine inventory, and markets the finished producer under a co-label or own label. This Turning Point label is a collaboration between winemaker Nick Goldschmidt and distributor Vineyard Brands who are actually based in Birmingham, AL. 

The TURNING POINT branding refers to “the pivotal moment when the grapes begin their transformation into wine. It is a reflection of the end of summer, the ripening of a harvest and the excitement of a new vintage.”

The 2021 Turning Point Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the Alexander Valley AVA of Sonoma County, California. It was aged in 15% French new oak.

It received Community average ratings average of 4.0/5 stars.

Producer Notes - “The 2021 vintage was one of the longest ripening seasons for the past two decades. Grape seasons are starting earlier due to lack of water in the soil and the early warm spring temperatures, but this evens out with the cooling trend that comes on in veraison on August. However, there was the head spike over Mother’s Day weekend which restricted the berry expansion. Yields were lighter, with small berries and small clusters.”

Producer/Winemaker Tasting Note: “This wine has a deep purple hue with a red middle and evidences aromas of dark cherry and blueberry. There is a concentration of blackberries, and bittersweet chocolate. It finishes both luxiouriously and velvety”.

Dark blackish garnet purple colored, medium full bodied, full round black berry and hints of blueberry fruits with notes of smoke, clove spice and bittersweet mocha chocolate with a pleasant mild polished finish. 

RM 90 points. 

Available locally in Destin, FL via Wine World - Destin, or online through vendors like BuyWinesOnline.com and Wine on Sale).

For the dessert course we served chocolate tuxedo cake and a pumpkin spice cake. For pairing with the cakes we opened this classic Sauterne Bordeaux dessert wine. 

Château Misselle Sauterne 2022  

This is a classic Sauterne dessert wine with sweet thick unctuous apricot and peach fruits. It is not a bona-fide Ice Wine per se. This prompted a discussion about Dessert Wine vs Ice Wine and I talked about what I wrote about, Ice Wines, in a recent blogpost from our Pour Boys wine group dinner last week - Pour Boys Wine Dinner features magnificent wines. 

This is from the Sauterne appellation in the southern Bordeaux region, outside the town of Bordeaux. As is customary for Sauterne dessert wines, this is a blend of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grape varietals. 

This was golden-yellow colored, full bodied, thick unctuous sweet nectar of apricots and quinces with notes of honey, peach and hints of citrus and spice.

RM 91 points. 

It is suggested serving well-chilled after dinner on its own or paired with blue cheese, fruit tarts, or light pastries rather than a main meal, which is exactly how we enjoyed this wine.  

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?4790570

Guy Amiot Chassagne Montrachet At Suzette's Creperie Wheaton

Guy Amiot Chassagne Montrachet At Suzette's Creperie Wheaton 

We dined at Suzette's Creperie in nearby Wheaton (IL) our favorite suburban French Bistro.

Being early diners on a weeknight, we were able to secure the desirable and preferred table adjacent the front window, next to the festive Christmas tree. 

 

 

We had our usual favorite dishes,the Pâté plate - a slice of smooth Chicken Liver Mousse and a slice of Country Style Pâté served with Dijon mustard, Cornichons and delicious Red Onion Marmalade  with Toasted Brioche on the side, and for entrees, the delectable Sole Meunière, Delicate Sole Filet in a Butter-lemon Sauce, served with Potatoes du Jour & Seasonal Vegetables.

 

Tonight we tried the Three Cheese Soufflé - Goat, Blue and Gruyere Cheese in a fabulous bubbly Soufflé, which was delicious and will certainly be part of our regular faire going forward. I don't know how we have overlooked this in the past! 

Three Cheese Soufflé - Goat, Blue and Gruyere

Chicken Liver Mousse and a slice of
Country Style Pâté

Sole Meunière in a Butter-lemon Sauce
with Potatoes du Jour & Seasonal Vegetables

Tonight, the sole was doctored with Thyme and Rosemary spices which severely detracted from the crisp butter and lemon authenticity of the dish that I would much prefer.

From the winelist we ordered this French Burgundy Chardonnay - Guy Amiot Et Fils Chassagne Montrachet Vielles Vigne 2016

Domaine Amiot was founded in the commune of Chassagne-Montrachet in 1920 by Arsene Amiot when he acquired select parcels of vines or “climats” in Chassagne including Vergers, Caillerets, Clos St. Jean and in what is today Le Montrachet. 

Under Aresene, Domaine Amiot became one of the first domaines in Burgundy to bottle their own production. In the 1930’s the domaine estates passed to Aresene’s son, Pierre, who continued to add vineyards in nearby sites Champsgains, Macherelles, Maltroie and a tiny parcel in Puligny, Les Demoiselles. 

Pierre’s son, Guy, took control in 1985 and further established the reputation of the domaine for producing exceptional quality wines from the collection of top vineyard sites. Guy’s son Thierry took over as  winemaker in 2003 and continues crafting wines that express the distinctive terroir or character of each vineyard site while striving to achieve the highest quality of the wines.

The Chassagne-Montrachet appellation is located south of Côte de Beaune and covers 865 acre of clayish limestone. Most of the wine produced in the village is white wine from the Chardonnay grape, with a small amount of red wine made from the Pinot Noir grape.

The village includes the Grand Cru vineyard of Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet within its boundaries and shares two Grand Cru vineyards - Montrachet and Bâtard-Montrachet - with the neighbouring village of Puligny-Montrachet. These three vineyards produce some of the most expensive and long-lived white wines in the world.

Guy Amiot Et Fils Chassagne Montrachet Vielles Vigne 2016

Of course French wines are labeled for the site of origin of the grapes as opposed to American wines which are labeled for the type of grape in the bottle. Its up the consumer to understand which grapes are grown in the region or the specific 'appellation'.

This is 100% Chardonnay from 45 year 'old vines', (Vielles Vigne) in the the 2 1/2 acre Thierry and Fabrice producers' (Guy) Amiot vineyard in the Burgundy Appellation of Chassagne-Montrachet. 

There were 6,500 bottles, 540 cases produced. 

This is designated a Grand Vin De Bourgogne (Burgundy).

Suzette's winelist is predominantly French and a California Chardonnay would've likely provided a better wine value. Never-the-less, we love the authentic French cuisine and accompaniments - all part of the experience.

Winemaker Notes: "Brilliant yellow gold and straw with green reflections in a bright and clear. This wine has an expressive nose of yellow fruits with a touch of vanilla. The aromatic richness of the nose is reinforced by a creamy palate with fresh flavors of apples, pear, peaches, honey and almond. The vineyard site receives full morning sun, giving a freshness and a stony, mineral foundation to the wine."

Light golden straw colored, medium bodied, complex crisp, slightly tart pear, apple, grapefruit fruits with hints of peach accented by creamy butter, vanilla and almond notes with a stony, mineral finish.   

RM 89 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3039258

http://suzettescreperie.com/index.html

French Wine and Dine experience - Parisien business dinner

French Wine and Dine experience - Parisien business dinner

For a valued customer and partner meeting, we dined near the client site in the business district of Paris-La Défense, in the heights of the Puteaux neighborhood at La Escargot 1903. 

In the Paris-La Défense area, it is less than 10 minutes from the Porte Maillot and 5 minutes from the Pont de Neuilly-sur-Seine. The restaurant is situated in a cottage-house atop the hill above the train, a short one block walk from the station.

The restaurant held a Michelin Star, earned under the leadership of young Paolo Boscaro, then lost it when he left to head the brigade of the Swiss restaurant of Anne-Sophie. The post has now been taken over by Chef Yannick Tranchant, (formerly La Grande Cascade and Neva) who is working to restore it to earlier prominence and achievement. 

We dined on the Menu du Chef, a six service selection, and a flight of accompanying wines from the wine list. 

The wine flight from the winelist:  

The food courses and accompanying wines:

Egg, peas, bacon

Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 2016 

I asked for the St Joseph but they were out and substituted this label instead. This is exactly the style and profile that I was seeking.

From the vineyards of Crozes Hermitage that surround the hill of Hermitage, though they do not rise as high, nor are they on the steepest slopes. The difference between the wines of Crozes Hermitage and Hermitage is mainly the soil, as one comes down the Hermitage slopes the soil profile changes from hard granite rock to denser, sandier, clay rich soils.

Alain Graillot has been producing wines since 1985. Born in the Northern Rhône, he left to pursue a career in business, but returned home to his dream of creating great wines. Without the opportunity of stepping into an existing family winery, Alain undertook formal studies in Burgundy while seeking the guidance and inspiration of the best of the new generation of winemakers including Jacques Seysses of Domaine Dujac. He has 15 hectares of vineyards in Crozes Hermitage as well as 1 hectare in St-Joseph. He matures his red wines in one year old french oak barrels from Burgundy.

Bright ruby colored, medium full bodied, notes of floral and violets, black berry and dark plums fruits with silky smooth tannins.

RM 90 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2866234

Whitefish

Damien Laureau Savennières Les Genêts Val de Loire 2014

The Savennières appellation, including its ‘Grand Cru’ sub-appellations of Roche Aux Moines and Coulée de Serrant, is planted with 156 hectares of vineyard (100% Chenin Blanc) and produces some of the most noble and age-worthy dry white wines of France. Damien Laureau is widely acclaimed as one of Savennières’ top producers.

Often referred to as one of the appellation’s ‘new’ superstars, Damien has 20 vintages of experience. Coming from a family farming background, he started out working with his uncle at a small vineyard in Anjou in the mid 1990s.

By 1999 he had acquired his first vines in Savennières and in 2006 he abandoned the Anjou appellation to focus specifically on Savennières. Since then has gradually increased his vineyard sources through both acquisition and leasing, to the still very boutique total of 8.5 hectares.

Straw colored, light medium bodied, lively acidity highlights notes of green apple, pear and hints of peach, floral, and crushed stone, turning to a long finish of spice, tangy acid and minerality.

RM 88

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2514316


 

Pork

Xavier Monnot Maranges 1er Cru Clos de la Fussière Côte de Beaune 2016

Xavier Monnot is a leading producer in Meursault. Prior to the release of the 2005 vintage, the property was known as Domaine René Monnier (Xavier's grandfather). In 2005, along with improvements in the vineyard and cellar, Xavier began bottling his wines under his own label.

Domaine Xavier Monnot is a 42 acre estate in Meursault with vineyards stretching from Beaune to Maranges. 60% of the Domaine's production is white and 40% red with several premier crus in Meursault, Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, Beaune, Volnay, and Maranges. Xavier maintains an average vine age of 30 to 40 years and practices lutte raisonnée (“reasoned struggle”).

Clos de la Fussière is a 2.6 acre block within and towards the bottom of La Fussière premier cru in Dezize-les-Maranges. It is a monopole belonging to of Xavier Monnot’s family for five generations. It is a steep, south-facing site that gives a wine that is rich, fleshy and dense.

Three villages at the southernmost end of the Côte de Beaune make up the Maranges AOC: Cheilly-lès-Maranges, Dezize-lès-Maranges and Sampigny-lès-Maranges.

Bright ruby color, medium body, vibrant floral spice and cherry fruits with dusty rose and soft smooth tannins on the lingering finish.

RM 88 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2613365

Jean Marc Grussaute Jurançon Costat Darrer 2017

Since 2015, grape harvests at the estate of Jean-Marc Grussaute were not acceptable or sufficient for production, so fruit was sourced from neighboring winegrowers GC Pedeflous, SD Lacazette and P Vignau, hence the subtitle of the wine "the grains of friends". 

Grape variety: 20% big manseng and 80% small manseng

Winemaker Notes: This wine of pleasure is characterized by its fruity and freshness. Its assertive character remains bordered by a soft and velvety sensation on the palate and a fruity finish. Very good balance between sugar and acidity. The aromatic range always expresses ripe and exotic fruits (tangerine, grilled pineapple, mango ...)

Light honey colored, medium body, tangy stone fruit, hints of peach, tangerine and mango.

RM 88 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3303965

Piedlong CDP foie gras Il Fiore Langham NY

Piedlong CDP and Auxey-Duresses with Foie Gras small plates at Il Fiore Langham Hotel NYC

Langham Hotel Lobby Desk

During our NYC getaway weekend, before dinner, we stopped in the Michelin star Il Fiore restaurant bar in the tony Langham Hotel in NYC.

We were seeking small plates and some wine from their extraordinary selection for a casual setting. Not often does one have the choice of Phelps Insignia, Tignanello, Sea Smoke, Quilceda Creek, Cos d' Estournal and Vieux Telegraph BTG (By-The-Glass)!

I selected the Torchon Foie Gras with tart cherries and winter squash (shown below) which was perfect for the occasion and was spectacular with Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Piedlong.

Linda had the crispy grilled artichokes with parmesan and lemon aoli, with a Benjamin Leroux Auxey-Duresses Burgundy Pinot Noir which was not on the winelist and was substituted for our initial selection.

Il Fiore offers a elegant but casual comfortable setting for a delightful food and wine experience, albeit rather expensive, but in-line with New York prices and such quality premium offerings. We look forward to returning for dinner there during a future trip.



Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Piedlong 2013 

The BTG winelist (shown below) specifically said 'La Crau', which refers to the flagship CDP offering from this Domaine, but this label was served instead.

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe has been run by the Brunier family for six generations, since 1891. The estate’s vineyards sit on the Plateau of La Crau, the highest point, in the appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Back in the 1800's , Claude Chappe, inventor of the optical telegraph, built a signal tower on the property due to its high elevation in the region, hence the property was given the name “Vieux Télégraphe”.

This Piedlong label was first released in 2011. It comes from a 29 acre vineyard site from the stony soils on the Piedlong plateau in the heart of the appellation, north of the village, the highest point in the region. The Mourvèdre, comes from the Pignan lieu-dit, just to the east of Piedlong. We visited the Vieux Télégraphe estate during our CDP appellation tour back in 1998 and then again this year during our 2019 visit with owner/producer Alain Brunier at the Estate.

This label is a blend of 90% Genache Noir and 10% Mourvèdre. Comprised of but two varietals, its a simpler less complex wine than the flagship label which under appellation rules can contain up to thirteen different varietals.

This was dark garnet colored, medium bodied, bright vibrant black currant and black raspberry fruits, notes of spicy cinnamon, hints of dust, tangy cherry, tapenade and mushroom with a smooth soft peppery lingering finish.

RM 89 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2880773

http://www.vieux-telegraphe.fr/en


Benjamin Leroux Auxey-Duresses Pinot Noir 2015

Il Fiore restaurant bar

Another substitution on the winelist, this label has a rouge and a blanc variant. We were looking for the blanc Chardonnay, but they served the rouge Pinot Noir instead.

Auxey-Duresses (pronounced “Oh-see”) is an appellation is in the famous Côte de Beaune area in the region of Burgundy, surrounded by two famous neighbors, Volnay and Meursault.

Readers of these pages know we don't do many Burgundies, mostly because we favor the Bordeaux varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) over the Burgundy Pinot Noir.

Also, I'm not knowledgeable in all the myriad of appellations and producers from the region and find it a bit confusing and mystifying. This is much the case for many folks, for many regions, but its especially challenging for Burgundy with all the mini and micro producers and labels that typifies what this regions is known for.

My advice to folks is to focus on one region, gather knowledge and experiences as a baseline and for comparisons, especially if one is going to start collecting wines.

We selected this Benjamin Leroux Pinot Noir from the Auxey-Duresses appellation, an area noted for high QPR and excellent value.

This is the label of Benjamin Leroux, manager/winemaker of Domaine Comte Armand who launched this label with the 2007 vintage. Leroux's Auxey-Duresses are from fruit sourced from vineyards that he manages, vineyards he owns, and he also buys fruit (never juice or wine) from growers with whom he works closely so to meet his standards.

The vineyards lie below the village of Beaune, adjacent to the Meursault Villages Les Vireuils Dessus and Les Meix Chavaux. The land is north-facing so it is affected by the cold air rolling down from the Hautes-Côtes.

The wines here come from three terroirs in this cool, mineral (rocky) place - Les Hautés, La Macabrée and Les Boutonniers. The oldest vines date back to 1946, planted just after the war. The vineyards span 2 hectares, large for this area where many of the properties are tiny in comparison. Hence Auxey-Duresses is a primary wine for Leroux.

Leroux's Auxey-Duresses is produced in a new winery in the center of the village of Beaune (just off the Boulevard) that is also used by Dominique Lafon and two other wine growers. The operation is very small and specializes in Puligny and Volnay, but there are over twenty different labels produced, in this ‘micro negociant’ operation.

Like so many Burgundy operations that are small, even tiny, only two to five barrels are produced from many of the offerings, resulting in extraordinary fragmentation and granularity in the plethora of small production labels.

This Pinot Noir was somewhat opaque, light in color and body, with blackberry and black cherry fruits accented by tones of leather, dusty rose and spice with smooth soft tannins on the finish.

RM 88 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2911060

Beef Wellington Red Wine Dinner

Festive Beef Wellington Bordeaux - Meritage Proprietary Blends Wine-Dinner

For our gala family Christmas dinner Linda prepared classic Beef Wellington featuring tenderloin of beef, foie gras, medley of mushrooms, topped in an incredible port wine syrup sauce, baked in a puff pastry shell to lock in and harmonize the flavors. Starting with Caprese salad, side dishes included au-gratin potatoes, peas, brussel sprouts and crescent rolls.

Our dinner wine selections included a right bank Bordeaux Pomerol, proprietary Meritage blends from Napa and Yakima Valleys, and a duo of Burgundies, young and old. None of these are causal easy drinking wines, rather they were chosen to complement and highlight the complex flavors of the beef dinner preparation. The port wine sauce featured Warre's Warrior Oporto NV (and some HazyBlur Baroota South Australian Shiraz 2006 left over from the other evening).


Wines shown below, left to right:
Domaine Tortochot, Champerrier, Vieilles Vignes, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy, 2005
Matthews Cellars Yakima Valley Proprietary Red 1999
Melka Metisse Napa Valley Proprietary Red 1999
Château du Domaine de l'Eglise Pomerol Bordeaux 1996
Albert Morot Beaune Bressandes, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru, Burgundy 1992



The Beef Wellington

Trimming Beef Tenderloin

Mushroom Medley

Foie Gras Hash

Grilled Mushroom Medley

Beef Wellington Preparation

Beef Wellington
Puffed Pastry Shell

Slicing Beef Wellington

The Holiday Dinner Wine Course:

Pierre Gimonnet Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuis 1er Cru N.V. 

Light gold color - Bright vibrant expressive, smooth silky polished nice drinking - touch of sweetness,crisp acidity, tangy lengthy finish.

RM  90 points. 


http://cellartracker.com/w?389638


 

Melka Metisse Proprietary Red Wine 1999

Flagshp namesake wine from legendary winemaker Phillip Melka, this wine comes entirely from hillside Napa Valley vineyards.

Full bodied, deep dark inky color - dense concentrated complex layers of black berry fruits, hints of black tea, silky clove and spice with a long ripe smooth refined tannin finish.

Drank from magnum.

RM 91 points.

80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc 100% Napa Valley 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=10051

Château du Domaine de l'Eglise Pomerol Bordeaux 1996

Surprisingly light, medium bodied, opaque garnet color, vibrant cedar and floral aromas and flavors predominate with bing cherry, black cherry and black berry flavors with layers of leather, tea and tobacco on the lingering moderate tannin finish.

Drank from magnum.


RM 89 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=333874

Matthews Cellars Yakima Valley Proprietary Red 1999

Surprising over-achiever for our gala Christmas beef wellington dinner - this was more polished than earlier tastings, full bodied, complex, vibrant and expressive with layers of blackberry, black currants and cherry fruits, a layer of spice, with hints of black tea, tar, leather and tobacco on the lingering moderate tannin finish.

52% Cabernet Sauvignon 37% Merlot 11% Cabernet Franc

RM 90 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=79548

 
Domaine Tortochot, Champerrier, Vieilles Vignes, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy, 2005


Very open and expressive - bright berry, strawberry, mulberry, spice and wood with long moderate tannin finish.

RM 89 points,  

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=537162

Albert Morot Beaune - Bressandes, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru, Burgundy

I thought this had given up the ghost a while back but it remarkably still had life in it - light bodied, opaque garnet purple color - initial funky barnyard aromas thankfully burned off - the black cherry and olive tapenade gave way to earthy leather, tea and wood.

RM 86 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=605439