Vince once again back from Canada and a holiday yesterday for the end of Ramadan was a good excuse to get the guys together for lunch at Je Suis Gourmand. The theme was Garage wines but since only Jojo had an authentic Vin de Garage (Valandraud no less) dispensation was given for the rest of us to bring small production wines or wines from mom and pop operations.
Champagne Cattier Clos du Moulin NV - 1,500 cases production from a 2.2 hectare clos. A mix of 95/96 and 98 vintages. Very dry, lemony, medium weight. Seems to have put on a great deal of age since I tried it last year. Very slight oxidation making it a bit nutty. No longer fresh, better to drink sooner than later but still a great Champagne at a good price.
Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Santa Ynez Valley Purisima Mountain Syrah 2003 - Meaty nose. Later, a bit of stink. 15 minutes after that some caramel. Quite soft but full. A bit fat. Rather dry. Merlot-ish wine. Good but puzzling.
Chateau La Fleur Morange St. Emilion Grand Cru 2001 - I was told this qualifies as a Garage wine. Very dark. Mushrooms. Smoke. Tannic. Very young. Needs time.
Chateau Valandraud 2000 - Berryish. Initially, tight, closed. After 2 hours or so, chocolate, mint, tobacco, baking spices. Quite complex but needs serious aging. Try again in 5 years.
Chateau des Charmes Riesling Icewine Niagara on the Lake 2004 - Nice gold color. Very good, ripe nose. Creamy. Burnt sugar. Lush and sweet but lacks acidity.