Go  |
New |
Find |
Notify |
|
Reply |
|
Admin |
New PM! |
Member
|
These notes were taken by our friend from the Parker boards...Brian Tockman. (MBD)
The finest meal I’ve ever had in a Mall. Johnny Rockets used to wear the Yellow Jersey, but now the Napa Valley Grille will take its place on the podium. Got together with a few friends for an evening of Rhone (and one Rhone-inspired) wine. With most of the attendees living in the south metro area, the Grille in the Mall of America was chosen as the venue. I was skeptical on the way in but immediately put at ease by a starter cheese plate that had, amongst others, two of my favorite domestics: Humbolt Fog and Mount Tam triple crème. We were a table of 7, and worked our way through the following –
2002 Pierre Gaillard Condrieu – More verdant than fruit forward on the nose, palate has some orange rind but is vinified very dry (unlike some U.S. viogniers I’ve had recently). The finish is round, with a slight earthy tone. Not a blockbuster, but a nice wine to kick off the evening
1998 Beaucastel Blanc – The first of two from this producer (thanks Craig!), an excellent wine. A yellow/golden hue, honeyed and mouthcoating. The palate is butternut squash and golden currant, but not sweet. Label says 80% Rousanne and 20% the wild mix that is the Southern Rhone. Particularly good along side my Caesar salad.
On to the reds:
2000 Chateau du Trignon Cotes du Rhone – A fruit forward nose of strawberry and bramble. Very grenachy (can that be a descriptor?). This calls out for saucisson and baguette! Midpalate hangs on but not much on the finish.
1999 Les Pallieres Gigondas – S. Rhone all the way, earth, cranberry and a touch sharp. Nice purple coloring.
1998 Bosquet des Papes CdP – Smooth, nice lean palate. Cracked nut, and years left to go on this one. A balanced composition, highlighting black fruits on the nose, a bit of funk and a decent finish. I liked it.
1995 Domaine du Pegau CdP – Not showing its age, an intense full palate of rose and black pepper. No bricking, this is in excellent shape. My WOTN.
2000 Beaucastel – Structure!! Wait on this one, bit of fennel seed and earth on the nose but still tight. Has the stuff to age really well. Fruit is there now, got to think this could turn into one of the translucent beauties like the ’83 and ’85 I’ve had in recent years. Only other comp on younger vintages of this wine I’ve had is some splits that I picked up cheap of the ’97, and the ’00 is a much better wine.
1996 Rosemount Balmoral (McLaren Shiraz) – Well made and all about the fruit. I wrote down, port barrel finished scotch, even through the finish. Had that sweetish tone. I brought this one, and made certain to put it last in the line up given its bigger profile. We had this at a decent point in its drinking window. Tannins present but an ensemble player. No Rhone funk, but right on for what it is, a nice expression of Syrah from down under.
Not a bad way to pass a Sunday evening.
--------------------
In Vino Veritas
-Brian Tockman
|
| |
| Posts: 255 | Location: Minneapolis Warehouse District | Registered: Jan 02, 2004 | |
|
 | Please Wait. Your request is being processed... |
© Wine Spectator Online 2009
|
