A Wine Tale of Two Cities: Jakarta and Bangkok(3)
Dinner was taken at the hotel's Lord Jim's Restaurant offering a
wide choice of fresh Thai and international seafood. I was joined
by a local wine importer and a couple of fellow Singaporean
residents. As with many wine importers, this man's business had
sprung from a passion for wine, much inspired he confessed by the
first edition of Parker's guide to Bordeaux. And his love of
Bordeaux was reflected in his selection of wines that he provided
for the dinner.
Our introductory chatter and amuse bouche were accompanied by a
bottle of Gosset Grand Millesime 1999, with plenty of
conversation-inciting toast, nut and kaya jam (a Singaporean coconut
and egg bread-spread) flavours. We then had an impressively matured
bottle of Patz & Hall 2001 Alder Springs Vineyard Chardonnay, which
was evolving into a truly delicious honeyed / dried pineapple
character. Next onto Bordeaux: Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1998, a
wine we all agreed was not quite living up to its 1973 promotional
status on this occasion. Yet the subsequent trio of 2003s did not
disappoint: Chateaux Pape-Clement, Montrose and Troplong-Mondot.
Towards the end of our meal a boat stopped directly in front of our
window looking out onto the river and let off an impressive firework
display in honour of some lucky person perhaps seated somewhere
close-by to us or across the river. Call me a dreamer but I like to
fancy these things as auspicious signs of fortuitous connections,
heralding the best of times to come.
Tasting Notes
Krug Clos d'Ambonnay 1995
98 points
The nose begins savoury providing complex earthy / meaty aromas with
a touch of truffles and smoked game, complimented by pronounced
autolytic influence and giving way to classic notes of toasted
hazelnuts, honeycomb and strawberry shortcake. The intense,
concentrated palate issues a razor sharp backbone of acid and an
incredibly long, layered finish of praline and minerals, making for
a vibrant powerhouse now and promising further balance and complex
evolution in years to come. Drink now to 2035. Tasted December
2008.
Champagne De Sousa Brut NV Rose
94 points
Very pretty, floral nose displaying notes of jasmine and wild
strawberries with clotted cream. The palate is refreshingly dry,
exposing a very crisp, racy character that is perfectly balanced by
plenty of juicy strawberry and buttery brioche concentration. Long,
red berry and white pepper finish. Drink now. Tasted December
2008.
Paul Etienne Hermitage 1964
89 points
Pale tawny colour. The nose has matured into notes of leather,
Chinese five-spice, mushrooms and forest floor. The acid is a
little forward and tart on the palate with just a few scraps of
fruit hanging onto it, nonetheless providing some interesting earthy
/ spicy flavours with hints of black pepper and game. Tannins have
nearly departed and this wine is approaching the edge of its
drinking window but still gives a lot of pleasure. Long finish.
Tasted December 2008.
Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru Les Vaucrains 1985
93 points
Very pale garnet-brick colour. Incredibly vibrant nose of macerated
cherries, violets, tobacco leaf, musk and moss. The palate is
elegantly styled with the softest caress of silken tannins and a
tang of medium to high acidity supporting the complex mix of earth
and warmed red berry fruit. Very long finish giving a suggestion of
dried herbs. Drink now. Tasted December 2008.
Henri Jayer Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Beaumonts 1993
95 points
Medium ruby-brick colour. Intoxicating red berry compote,
spearmint, cinnamon and violet aromas provide one of those noses
that you never want to stop inhaling. The palate is pure decadence
with tons of minted cherry fruit, a medium level of velvety tannins
and seamlessly refreshing medium to high acidity. Very, very long
pepper and spice finish. Drink now. Tasted December 2008.
Champagne Gosset Grand Millesime 1999
92 points
