An Early Evening Retaste at the End of a Sunny Day
This morning's dawn and the beginning of a distinctly spring-like dayIt's always informative to retaste, after a period of years, a wine that one sampled in its extreme youth, especially if that wine is one that has appeared on a Bowes Wine offering in the past.
Here I sit, looking out of the window at the other end of the day from that depicted in the photograph above, glass in hand. I have just liberated a few cases from my portfolio and I was keen to try this wine above all. Why? Well, I had absolutely loved it when I first tasted it, from barrel, at the domaine. That it was a 2003 white wine, from Burgundy, and from a much overlooked appellation, suggested that it might not be one for cellaring. Yet my initial tasting persuaded me otherwise. I am glad I went with my taste buds' opinion!
2003 Pernand-Vergelesses Les Combottes Vieilles Vignes, Domaine du Château de Chorey
The colour is still good and pale lemon, shot through with lime. The nose is clean and broad, with an almost marmalade concentration to the fruit. A wisp of creamy, lightly toasty wood beautifully frames the fruit of peaches and their furry, warm skins, ripe pears; spiced pears at that.
The palate is creamy at the front, becoming a touch mineral. Acidity is, of course, on the low side, but this isn't lacking freshness. There is even a degree of grip remaining, but this is now into its window of drinkability. Okay, there's a hint of warmth at the end, but the whole thing is just so delicious, I am happy to pour another glass. Sipping on, the minerals have come more to the fore; the finish is more evidently structured.
No hurry here....just as long as you can keep your mits off it!
