Lovely Wine Dinner at Tribeca Grill
Written By: Michael Zimberg on Fri, Nov 7th 2008
We started with a 2004 Carl Ehrhard Spätburgunder served blind, from the list. I guessed pinot from the color and nose, but then got it wrong and asked if it was Spanish. Several others thought it was a generic burgundy rouge. It has pure, simple, just ripe pinot fruit, in a medium bodied frame. Retail $22. Grade: B.
Then a 1998 Chave Hermitage Blanc, brought by Brian. This wine is stunning. Pale golden in color, and soaring aromatics with some petrol in the right place. Huge and viscus, really hangs on the palate. Very complex, long life ahead. Retail $150. Grade: A.
Followed by a 1992 Roulot Mersault Les Tessons Clos de Mon Plaisir bought from the list by Adley. We had to have a white burgundy with this crowd. Incredibly complex with brioche, hazelnuts, a wonderfully oily quality and a long, steely finish. There's something almost like Thai fish oil. Delicious. Can't find this anywhere for sale, guessing around retail $150. Grade: A.
Then some red burgundy flowing, started with a 1989 de Montille Pommard Les Rugiens brought by Seth. Very dirty funky almost oxidized nose, lighter body but lithe and graceful. Someone commented well that it tastes like a Swiss alpine village. Not quite enough fruit to support the funk. Retail is about $70, but it is hard to find. Grade: B.
1990 Bouree Chambertin, also brought by Seth. Now we hit the big time. Fresh chopped mushroom and truffles, earth, bright fruits, medium body in a classy silky smooth finish, Very pretty. Retail $200. Grade: A-.
1997 Ponsot Griotte Chambertin brought by me. Incredible nose with wild flowers, lavender, and really pure, fresh, delicious nose. Very tannic palate muddles everything else. The consensus was that it was too young, and would be great in a few years. I let my glass sit an hour. After a re taste it seemed gone. Retail $160. Grade: B+.
Then we went to California. 2002 Martinelli Blue Slide Ridge ordered from the list by me. Very ripe, huge blue and black fruits, juicy, very full, especially after the burgundy. Doesn't taste like the same grape. Sweet and delicious. 40+ second finish. For me could have more complexity and seems like a caricature of pinot noir. I liked the '03 a little more. Retail $170. Grade: A-.
2002 Kistler Pinot Noir Cuvee Catherine, brought by me. This is pure velvet with incredible power and charm with cherry liquor, ripe full new oak and very sweet. It has finesse and a really long finish. No one would mistake it for a burgundy. I love it. Retail $195. Grade: A.
Then back to France with a 1988 La Mission Haut Brion brought by Julianne. Wonderful cigar box, classy and pretty, well put together with nice acids, lithe green peppers. Tastes like a lot of cabernet. Now I'm drunk. Retail $175. Grade: A-.
1996 Leoville Poyferre brought by Brian. Certainly drunk now. Really dark and dense. Tastes much further from maturity than the 1988. Really well put together. Impressive effort. Retail $95. Grade: A-.
Sine Qua Non 2000 In Flagrante Syrah brought by Truly. Wine of the night for me. Flint, crushed white and black pepper, smoke and raw beef and a massive, perfectly balanced stunning, shining viscus wonderful flavor profile. Smells like a great northern Rhone, with an extra kick. Tastes like nothing else I've had. Retail $400. Grade: A+.
1997 Gaja Darmaji brought by Adley. Smells like classic bordeaux, but now tannic, astringent, closed and a little disappointing. Not sure how to evaluate, and my palate is shot. Retail $180.
Then desert. 1988 Rayne Vigneau brought by Seth. Apricots, oranges, lemon oil, nice balance, nice finish. Solid, but not earth shattering. Retail $65. Grade: B.
"Mikey's Grade" is a trademark of independent wine reviewer Michael Zimberg, and does not represent the views or opinions of ClassicWines.com, LLC. To learn more about this grading system, click here .
