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It’s been a punishing week and the stock of milk thistle has been under pressure!
Monday night guest of Louis Roederer drinking the sublime Cristal 2002, alongside vintage rose, so pale and delicate tiny bubble, then into some reds – Pichon Lalande 1983 served blind, savoury, earthy fine and mature but drinking brilliantly and a perfect prelude to some very pale Taylor 63 with some very amateur snooker!
Tuesday at Shoreditch house, on the edge of the city, what a venue a huge old warehouse converted by the very able Nick Jones of Soho House fame into a busy club – hosted by the indomitable Harry Stamford.
We drank like kings, all generously provided from Harry’s cellar – highlights included Leeuwin Art Series Cab Sav 1996, Margaux 1997 and Barolo Bricco Boschis Sandrone 1999.
On to the next gathering as guest of Rowley and Charlie at Café Anglais. Now we are talking very serious gear. Criots Bâtard Montrachet Louis Latour 1992 was impeccable showing little age, lovely weight and balance, some nuttiness but clean fruit. Next came a magnum of Corton Charlemagne Bonneau du Martray 2000 – WOW it was spectacular. Youthful and vigorous with extraordinary poise – very much the antithesis of this drinker! I loved every sip and with delicious quenelles of pike it was a perfect match.
The first blind red had a heavenly nose and indeed we came close to nailing it exactly: Ch Margaux 1982. It was very very good, pretty, charming and a serious treat. It didn’t last long making way for Cos d’Estournel 1985, which showed brilliantly, deep in colour and concentration, still plenty of grip beneath which lovely blackcurrant fruit and backbone.
A night with my great newly wedded mate Pedro and co completed the week drinking Rustenburg Cab Sav, lovely – must now be time for a litre or 7 of Perrier I reckon. Then on with more research!