Four of us got together to revisit an afternoon we shared 8 years ago, with a Tomahawk steak and some memorable wines. This time, Lulu's Little Bistro was the choice, and BYO was most welcome this time.
The steak and accompaniments were magnificent, but this is about the wines:
Dom Perignon 2009: A great way to start. Moderate yellow colour, with a persistent bead. Honey,toast, developed lemon, and some savoury characters, along with some saline / oyster shell. Lovely mouthfeel and medium to long finish. This has plenty of time ahead of it.
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2013: Medium yellow colour - very youthful. The nose has yellow peach, nectarine, pink grapefruit (not the tart kind) and some lime cordial. There's loads of savoury oak and one ofthe comments was 'cashew cream'. A complex palate, with a little toffee, and roasted nuts. Good palate weight, supporting acid and a textural mouthfeel. Long finish and drinking very well now.
Chateau Lascombes 2010 (2nd growth, Margaux, Bordeaux): 55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet and 5% Petit Verdot. The Merlot element was dominant, with quite plummy fruit on the nose, backed up with blackberry, graphite, violets and dried Italian herbs. There's some chocolate as well onthe palate, which has chalky tannins, soft acid, a gentle mouthfeel and long finish.
Penfolds Grange 1990: This has slept peacefully in my cellar since purchase on release in 1995. Decanted 4 hours before service. Crimson colour with little signs of bricking. A substantial nose, with Christmas cake, raisins, coconut and vanilla, developed black and red fruits, including black cherry, and some mocha. The palate is rich with some savoury notes, and a velvety mouthfeel. Tannins are integrated and fine grained, and the wine finishes very long indeed. Probably unlikely to improve much, but I would really like the opportunity to find out
Chateau Filhot 2013 (Sauternes, France): Moderate golden colour. Prominent apricot, glace` pineapple, and some acetone / nail varnish. Sweet but not cloying, and a clean finish. Excellent with Lulu's creme brulee.
We also shared a couple of bottles of Burgundy with Lulu's owners after the dinner service was concluded:
Alain Gras Saint Romain Vielles Vignes 2023: A sappy nose, with darkcherry and forest floor. The palate is savoury but with cherry and cranberry coming through. Gentle acid and tannins and a medium to long finish. Too young - should improve.
Marchand and Burch Nuits Saint Georges 2018. A more substantial wine than the Alain Gras, and darker colour. Juicy dark cherries, a little mushroom and a sappy note. Textural mouthfeel, medium acid and I stopped taking notes at this point.
A memorable evening with wonderful friends - I look forward to doing this again, and not waiting another 8 years.
Cheers
Allan
