The Judge and Chave Hermitage

Dinner at View 62 by Paco Roncero.

2003 Kongsgaard Chardonnay The Judge - this was decanted 1½ hours before dinner, and was still pretty closed as we poured it from the bottle during dinner.  Eventually I asked for it to be decanted again, and the wine finally opened up.  Nose of flint, honey, toasty oak, vanilla… a little more restrained and elegant compared to last night.  Very well balanced.  Curiously the wine has mellowed out since I was blown away by it almost 2 years ago.

1985 Chave Hermitage Rouge - opened and poured immediately at the table, showing a huge farm nose, with minerals, leather, minty and plummy nose that was lovely.  Later on the savory notes from minerals emerged, along with olive tapenade.  The one with the best palate among us, though, thought it was green olives…  The palate of the wine faded quickly, turning acidic after a short while.

Drinks at a friend's house.

2008 La Sangre de Jonata - opened but stoppered for about 3½ hours before pouring.  A very floral nose, but very sharp and alcoholic.  Also earthy, metallic, mineral and very sweet.  Seriously too young.

Full post on the evening is here.