Café les Amis, in the Cow Hollow district of San Francisco, was the meeting spot for our group of winos on a fine October evening. Good food and nice service . . . and a few Burgundies:
1996 Laurent, Vosne-Romanée Les Suchots:
I tasted this early on and never got back to it; initial impressions were not of wood (which I expected) but rather of sous bois, and attenuated fruit. I suspect that air helped but don’t know.
2008 Jerome Chezeaux, Vosne-Romanée Les Suchots magnum:
I liked this and while I would not say it was exceptional, it was clean, pleasant had some complexity and enough fruit that I thought it balanced.
1997 Meo Camuzet, Clos de Vougeot:
I thought this was mildly corked, others thought it merely vegetal; in any event, I could not get past my initial impression and stopped at two sips.
2009 Voillot, Volnay:
All baby fat and simplicity tonight but charming, nonetheless, and a pretty wine. Very much enjoyed.
2008 d’Angerville, Volnay Clos des Ducs:
Closed at first and even when, with air, it opened somewhat, it never really got past simple. Nice simple and even worth a second glass but this should have so much more in the future.
1999 Drouhin, Volnay Clos des Chênes:
Closed at first but blossomed over the course of the evening and stood out for its texture and depth. I have had this wine several times since release and only once was I underwhelmed. A lovely bottle, my last of the case; yes, I was too early but I still enjoyed it a great deal. Others seemed to also.
Best, Jim