Last night we went to the home of our friends Marc and Annabelle. They had just gotten their fall shipment from Hudson Valley Foie Gras, hadn't made the FG yet but we started with smoked duck breast, then had beautiful aged magret as main course. Butternut squash soup, celeriac remoulade, mashed potatoes with celeriac, roasted golden beets, and about 10 other dishes, finishing with flambeed bananas and apples. Some architects Annabelle works with joined us, and a very pleasant time ensued.
NV Piper Heidsieck Brut
Lighter style, more lemony/fruity than yeasty. Nice clean flavors, but could use a more concentration, even for me (I tend to like the lighter bubblies). B/B-
2000 Pontet-Canet (Pauillac)
Tight, tight, tight. Did I say tight? But there's a solid core underneath. Rich cassis fruit, moderate ripe tannins, good length. Nose is just not showing much right now, but it had hints of earth and leather at end. Just needs time in my not so expert opinion. B tonight, A- potential.
2001 Louis Jadot "Clos des Couchereaux" Beaune 1er Cru
Not particularly high expectations for a CdB '01, but this showed really well. Light to start, black cherry edged with strawberry, good acidity, light tannins. With air it picks up substantial weight, with the fruit showed richer and darker. A little edge of cocoa.. Major overachiever. A-/B+
Fun night
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency