Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Friday lunch with Fevre, Saxum, and Gaja

Had lunch with a couple of homeys on Friday at Bis on Main in Bellevue. Great lunch spot if you are in the area and a very good wine list.

2007 Fevre Champs Royaux
A big fan of the 05 but not as much of the 06 so was interested to see where the 07 fit in. Tasty stuff--just as good as the 05. Laser yellow in color with gravel, lemon peel, and unripe pear on the nose. Very similar charactersitics on the palate--bright acidity, tart green apple, and some decent minerality. Damn zippy! 89pts

2006 Saxum Booker Vineyard
I waited as long as I could before popping one of these babies. Opened immediately upon arrival, it sat for around an hour or so before we dug in. Typical Saxum profile of brooding purple with magenta edges. Nose of violets, raspberry/blueberry hybrid, smoke, and braised meat. Surprisingly well balanced in the mouth with heat and tannin on one side battling it out against sweet fruit on the other. Unlike soccer and hockey when a tie seems very unsatisfying (as in the old saying that a tie is like kissing your sister), this tie is the kind you like and my sister was no where to be found. While this wine will definitely improve with time, it was very accessible right now so don't hesitate to pop one. 93pts

2001 Gaja Barbaresco
Opened from half bottle with little breathe time. It's fun to drink wines back to back that couldn't be more different in styles but thoroughly enjoy each. Brick red color with aromas of underbrush, strawberries, tobacco, minerals, and tar. Very structured with ample acid and tannin with just enough pure fruit and richness to do a decent job of balancing out the wine. A gripping and powerful finish leave me with the thought that this wine has 20 years left, easy. 92pts

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