17-July-2002
With our good friends and old wine-partners Amihai and Dafna we splurged a wonderful evening at Mul-Yam, the best (by far) seafood restaurant in Israel.
We brought with us two relatively modest bottles of wine that we have acquired together some five years ago in Beaune.
The food (of which we had plenty) is simply sublime. Ingredients of the highest possible quality (which the owner insists upon), together with the creative talent of the Chef, result in the most harmonious and delicious dishes imaginable. Dining out at Mul-Yam is always an unforgettable (albeit expensive) experience.
| Chablis - Grenouilles |
1995 |
L. Jadot |
7/2002. Bought in Beaune Nov-97 for $35.
Grand Cru Chablis are best when they are 10 years old or more. Drink them younger and they may not be able to show the mellow sweetish/dry qualities they acquire with age.
We had this 'Grenouilles' some two years ago and were not particularly impressed. I know this time we still drink it too early, but such is life...
COLOR: Medium straw color.
NOSE: Reasonably forward nose of minerals and white fruits, with citrusy aromas quite prominent. No dry honeyed touch yet. Nice but not too deep or impressive.
TASTE: Relatively light on the palate with definite Chablisian flavors. Crisp dry and elegant. Minerals abound with pronounced acidity on the finish. Satisfyingly tasty and extremely suitable with oysters and such.
LENGTH: Here is where the Grand Cru pedigree shows for this wine. Long and complex aftertaste that promises this wine will improve with age.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: Medium-light bodied wine. Very stylish and reasonably concentrated. Nicely balanced.
OVERALL: Very Good. Better then the previous bottle but still not true to its potential.
MARK: 17/20.aaaaaaaaBUY MORE? Maybe.
| Beaune 'Clos des Ursules' |
1995 |
L. Jadot |
7/2002. Bought in Beaune Nov-97 for $28.
Clos des Ursules is the flagship wine from Jadot's many holdings in Beaune. It is a monopole sub-plot of the Premier Cru 'Vignes Franches' vineyard.
In the past I have enjoyed many vintages of this pure and honest Burgundy.
COLOR: Medium ruby color. Slight clearing around the rim.
NOSE: A bit mute at first, but opened up in time to reveal very nice red-fruit aromas with a delicate 'Bourgogne Nose' around them. Not immense nose but very delicate and pure.
TASTE: Delightful wine on the palate. Ample sweetish fresh red fruit together with deep Bourgogne flavors. Winey and tasty with good concentration and excellent grip. Still a bit tannic, but a pleasure to chew on even now.
LENGTH: Long aftertaste with sweetish-tannic notes on the finish.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: Medium bodied (B) of fine smooth texture. Still young and not yet completely harmonious. Excellent fruit, good acidity and round tannins contribute to the superb balance here.
OVERALL: Very Fine A great value Burgundy, that will no doubt improve for the next few years.
MARK: 18/20.aaaaaaaaBUY MORE? Yes.
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Copyright 1996-2003.
Jacob "Yak" Shaya.