Sunday, September 28th, 2008

The Magical 1981 Vintage

Louis Roederer, Blanc de Blanc Champagne, 2002 (very, very excellent)
Ricther, Riesling Spatlese, Mosel, Germany, 1982 (also excellent)
Chateau Nairac, Barsac, 2001 (another excellent wine)
Trotanoy, Merlot, Pomerol, 1981 (this was my favorite red of the night. Plenty of plumpness and fullness with silky tannin and fruit. It was just great.)
Chateau Montrose, Cabernet Blend, Saint Estephe, 1981 (Slightly off. It was probably cooked at some point in its life. However, Stetson thinks it was corked.)
Heitz Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bella Oaks, 1981 (this was good, but fell short after the Marth's)
Heitz Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Martha's Vineyard, 1981 (this was great and a great example of what California has to offer.)
Freemark Abbey, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 1981 (This was good but not stunning)
Berard Pere & Fils, Cuvee Prestige, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 1981 (this was very good, and a nice change of pace from the Cabernet's)
Beringer, Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 1981 (this wine wasn't very good)
Grigich Hills, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 1981 (one of the best California wines of the night)
La Conseillente, Merlot, Pomerol, 1981 (probably my second favorite wine of the night. Super floral with potpouri aromas, it as delicious)
Ramos Pinto, 1983 Porto (this was a great end to the night)