Before the notes, I think it is time to single out Barry. Barry is one of the only wine bloggers I know who has 30 years of wine tasting under his belt, is one of the only guys reviewing German wines (he lives there), and Barry has a cellar that I am seriously going to break into. So, what is the connection between Barry and a Premier Cru Chablis? This wine was suggested to me by Barry in response to my naked chardonnay post last month. Always on the lookout for good Chablis ideas, I rushed out and bought some.The 2004 Domaine des Malandes "Vau de Vey" (Chablis Premier Cru) was white gold in hue, with a nose of "minerally lemon brioche", followed by some pine and honey notes, and a subtle petrol smell which is often found in Rieslings (and this Jura wine). Overall, I found the nose rather simple. On the palate this was classic Chablis - bone dry, crisp and very minerally, very structured, focused, but a bit austere, rough around the edges. Probably the first white wine tasting note in a while (ever?) where I will say: "This wine needs some cellar time". Enjoyed over two evenings, but it was not a great pairing for the mandarin chicken or the pork tenderloin - I suggest you seek the bounty of the sea. Note that Barry scored the 2005 (a better vintage for Chablis) a bit higher than my 2004.
12.8% alcohol
Score: 16.5/20
Price: C$29 (SAQ)
PS - It is not very often that I get to try three very different interpretations of Chardonnay in such close proximity. A smashing idea would be a blinded tasting of this wine, the Beringer Private Reserve and the Chateau Montelena - an old world, new world and mid-Atlantic smackdown! Volunteers?
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7 comments:
I would assume a good 2004 Chablis 1er Cru would still need more time. if you're in the mood for a comparative tasting, try Durup's Vau De Vey. I thing it's fairly widely available in North America, though it might be labelled Domaine de l'Eglantiere or Domaine de Maligny. The local importer in Israel assues me it would be the same wine.
Hi 2GrandCru - I have two more bottles that I am going to put away. Lots of Maligny wines here, but not the Vau de Vey. Have you tried the "La Vigne de la Reine", the "Fourchaume", the "Homme Mort" or the "Montee du Tonnerre" by Maligny?
Just the Fourchaume 2002 and 2001. Very good values.
I think you need to mow the lawn :)
Agree with your positive comments about his blog - very good.
2GrandCru - I found a bottle of 2004 Maligny Fourchaume hiding behind the Homme Mort - last bottle in the store. Will let you know how it goes.
Edward - Yes, my wife has been slacking lately ;) (just don't tell her I said that!) Glad you liked Barry.
Cheers!
The 2005 I took to a friends's house, we opened it..and drank it 30 minutes later. Not really fair to the wine....so the next one is gonna be decanted 3 hours beforehand...save me getting a sore wrist later when drinking..
This is something we should all be doing generally with complex wines..but it's so easy to put it in the fridge..then an ice bag etc..and this type of wine needs all the help you can give it when young. As I wrote..a 'wine-drinkers' wine...if you have never followed the developement of a Chablis Cru..you may be a touch disapointed when it is young..so give it a helping hand..it's only a child...
Barry
Hi Barry. I am only just learning about decanting whites. I always do that with complex reds, and I always follow their development. I have shied away from that with whites - I will try that next time.
Cheers!
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