Well, it was a nerve wracking day, but ultimately a success. Off and on rain started at 10am, and it looked like we would be clouded out completely. A few people left, but most (a crowd of at least 1000) stuck with us, and cheers went up every time the Sun peaked out from the clouds. But in the minutes before totality, thinner clouds allowed us the unique experience of seeing the crescent Sun without the need for eclipse glasses, and we were able to enjoy those last few moments through the rapidly moving breaks. And we could see the corona just faintly through the clouds. The cheering was so loud during totality that people in houses 10 blocks away or more heard it.
I am so thankful for the enthusiasm of the crowd, the mood was not disappointment, but expectant anticipation. Spirits were definitely high. And I have already heard many, many compliments and thank you's for the event, even with the weather.
Less than an hour after totality it cleared up enough for us to record video of the last 30 minutes using a cell phone mounted on a telescope.
And the attendance at our evening concert was excellent, nearly filled the Abbey church, while a thunderstorm was raging no less!
So how do you cap off an surreally awesome day like that? With two first growths of course, compliments to a dear friend of mine.
Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac 1999
My first Lafite, and the eclipse vintage, on the evening of the 2017 total eclipse! Gorgeous color, deep, warm, inviting ruby. Awesome Pauillac nose, toasted black cherry, sweet, red currant, a touch of tobacco leaf, nice roasted herbs, loads of loamy earth, a touch of beef blood, cedar, abundant black pepper, and of course, lots of the the famous Lafite graphite; slightly heady, exceptional purity and tone, great depth. Identical personality on the palate, though not quite as expressive, on the light side of full bodied, with good depth, lots of tannin, loads of mineral, and generous spice, all with exceptional good acid balance; wonderful texture, extremely savory (even bloody), with juicy/fleshy acid, and nice tartness. As it opens, a exceptional, driving note of kirschwaser comes in, that really elevates this wine. Outstanding quality, befitting a first growth. The fruit is showing some maturity, but the structure is surprisingly youthful. It would be nice to revisit this in 5 years, and it should age well for at least 10. My first Lafite, and exactly what I expected based on the reputation of its character. 4 Stars [8/21/17]
FYI: The August 1999 path of totality went through the north east corner of France, not Bordeaux. This was still an eclipsed wine, in more ways than one . . . .
Chateau d’Yquem, Sauternes 1997
Outstanding color, burnt golden orange, with mature bronzing waiting in the wings, and with green reflections. Dear lord, what a phenomenal nose, exploding with freshly caramelized creme brule, honey-drenched dried apricot, orange marmalade, orange blossom nectar, milk caramel, huge amounts of botrytis-imparted nutmeg, and tons of mineral, all with just a touch of petrol notes. Same notes on the palate, but with the addition of a prominent note of raspberry; a touch of hazelnut emerges with air on the finish. Huge body and phenomenal concentration, but with equally huge acid tone; big viscosity and thickness but you almost don’t notice it due to the big acid. The length of this is incredible. Almost perfection. Dear lord this is amazing. Still somewhat primary, this is probably still 10 years out from its best, with perhaps as much as 40 - 50 years ahead. Could be perfection when fully mature. Whether this or 1996 is the greatest Sauternes I’ve had is hard to say. 5+ Stars [8/21/17]
