Domaine Castagnier, Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru

Beautiful showing tonight. Opened 1 hour before decanting and 1 hour extra decanter time. Very suave and velvety. A joy to drink and irresistible.

Young but already approachable. The oak has yet to fully integrate but this is still such a pleasure to drink. Intoxicating nose of mixed red and black berries, luxurious oak, and what feels like a judicious touch of whole cluster. The palate is rich with ripe berry fruit but the oak and tannin present some hard edges which show the wine’s youth. A very sexy wine that is only going to get better with more time in bottle. Very glad …

Cork saw some damage but the nose is still incredible - lots of dark raspberry fruit and then savory undertones, some wood showing through but the palate is tremendous.

Waterford Wine Co. Burgundy Festival (Waterford Wine Co. - Milwaukee WI) : Walkaround tasting. Slightly taciturn aromatic start, then lush red and black cherry abounds on the palate with broad textures and very good weight. I'm sure 3-4+ hours of air really helped here, but this is already so enjoyable.

Becky Wasserman and Terlato Cru Tasting (Knightsbridge - Northbrook IL) : Walkaround tasting. Complex array of red, black, and blue cherries and berries with subtle spice. Lush and bright at the same time. Long, powerful, expanding finish, 93-94+ point potential.

My first CSD and its disappointing for a grand cru plot. 04 is a green year but somehow stewed profile in the nose with a disturbing mercaptan note which doesnt blow off. Palate is slightly better but the intensity and length is not living up to its classification. Reminded self - good producer over good climat

Black tea, with sweet red fruits. Lovely finish. None of the 04 herbal notes. Beautiful juice.

Casual "GC" dinner at Imperial Treasure Teochew