Last night I was invited to an industry wine tasting for one of the local distributors here in Indianapolis. I used to attend so many of these events that they almost became a chore (I know--what was I thinking!?!). Now I look forward to them with great anticipation, as they are few and far between (and my real job doesn't involve any sort of libation consumption).
I jumped at the chance (thank you, Brad Sullivan!) to attend the Carroll Wine and Spirits Annual Wine Gala. As one of their former regular customers (and now a much smaller but hopefully still valued customer), I understand that this event serves dual purposes. The first is to thank their clients (restaurants, caterers, and hotels around Indiana who buy their wine and spirits from them). The second is to introduce these clients to new potential wines on their lists. Many of these wines are so amazing and exclusive that they only are open once a year.
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| Duval-Leroy Femme de Champagne 2000 $125 |
In my wine lounge days, I attended these showcases as a goal-oriented taster to accomplish specific tasks. One year I needed to fill the gaps in my wine list, another to swap out sluggish movers, and a third to expand into new wine list territory. This year, however, as an independent blogger with no wine list (other than our house list and some random private wine tastings), I went with one goal in mind: drink the good stuff. Scratch that, my goal was really to drink the really good stuff.
With literally hundreds of wines to taste (41 tables with anywhere from 4-25 wines apiece), this was a monumental task. Never fear, though, I had a strategy. Though it seems simple, it worked like a charm. I simply found everyone I knew in the room who knew a lot about wine (there were dozens to chose from) and asked them what their favorite wines of the day were. Behold! Arriving late to the party did have a few nice perks.
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| Chateau Potelle VGS Zinfindel 2009 $65 |
In wine, like just about everything in life, you get what you pay for (for the most part). My specialty is value, but even I believe that sometimes you just have to splurge. I have some kitchy cocktail napkins that say "Life is short. Drink the good wine now!" Though this can be a bit of a struggle in these penny-pinching times, I am trying to do my best to follow this sage advice (never mind that it was from a napkin).
Without further ado (drum roll please) the best things I drank: [note: my tasting notes are after f+f, I quoted other wine tasting publication notes as well.]
Duval Leroy Femme de Champagne 2001 f+f review: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir create a lovely golden cuvee that reveals a complex flavor palette of brioche, vanilla and wood aromas alternating with citrus fruits. This champagne is not just for the celebration, it is the reason to celebrate. $120
Clos de L'Oratoire Chateauneuf du Pape 2007 $35
WS 91pts. - WA 90pts. - According to Wine Spectator: Full-bodied and ripe, with a juicy core of plum, boysenberry and fig fruit backed by cocoa, espresso and black licorice notes. A nice graphite edge helps lends just enough definition on the finish. A textbook expression of the vintage. Drink now through 2017. According to the Wine Advocate: The 2007 traditional Chateauneuf du Pape is a beauty – deep ruby/purple in color with a classic nose of jammy black cherries and black currants intermixed with lavender, spice box, fruit cake, and pepper. It is a medium to full-bodied wine with silky tannins, an alluring texture, and terrific purity and length. Drink it over the next decade
Jarvis Cabernet Franc 2006 f+f review: This Cabernet Franc (blended with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon), spends 23 months in French oak to lend balance the plum and blackberry notes. It is a true standout in a competitive red field. $98
Pahlmeyer Chardonnay Napa Valley 2009 $60
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 95 pts, Robert Parker - Consistently one of the top Chardonnays in California, Pahlmeyers 2009 exhibits an impressive, thick-looking, light gold color with green hues. Loads of peach, creme brulee, honeysuckle, and subtle oak are present in this full-bodied, well-endowed, pedal-to-the-metal style of Chardonnay that will appeal to those who like white Burgundy, but with additional richness. Given its track record, expect this wine to age nicely for 5-6 years. Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786 - Dec 2010
Chateau Potelle VGS Zinfindel 2009 $65 f+f review: Intense and elegant, this wine showcases an amazing 2009 California zinfindel harvest. Red fruit, spices and oak melt into an easy, lingering finish that is incredibly refined, even in its youth.
Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Evenstad Reserve 2007 $50
WE 95pts. According to Wine Enthusiast: A very elegant and refined Evenstad Reserve, with grace notes of sandalwood and a lovely cherry core. The fruit is immaculate, the concentration focused and lengthy, and the flavors are so artfully blended that the wine is seamless and perfectly balanced. Although it is drinking like a mature wine, there is every reason to cellar wines such as this— it can develop like a fine Burgundy, over decades.
