Herbert Samuel (May 18, 2013)

My latest flame

A casual dinner (inasmuch as any meal at Herbert Samuel can be called casual) with Ran, Rani and Benny in attendance. A chance to open some bottles that only a few years ago would have been reserved for birthdays and other grand occasions.

Francois Jobard, Meursault Premier Cru, Geneverieres, 2005

Nutty and oily on the nose, with a well measured dose of minerals. Good balance on palate, ripe fruit with a spicy finish.  A very typical Meursault, in my eyes, highlighting the best the community has to offer. This is the second healthy bottle I've had the pleasure of opening - a personal record among my Jobard holdings!

Burgundy Wine Collection, about 400 NIS.

Bouchard, Meursault Premier Cru, Geneverieres, 2004

A really dynamite nose! Funky, stinky and flinty. Excellent balance on the palate. Like the Jobard, there's a distinctly nutty note. And I can't believe we had two such good showings of Meursaults in one night, we really hit the jackpot this time.

WineRoute, about 400 NIS.

Emidio Pepe, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, 2001

A lovely nose, with pungent minerals and red fruit. A classic mouth cleanser, with a long tannic finish. Powerful without overpowering. A really wonderful wine and a great personal discovery.

Giaconda, 520 NIS.

Aldo Conterno, Barolo Cicala, 2001

Closed and mysterious, yet very refreshing. Full and spicy, friendly with laid back power. Flowers and spices, red fruits. "If this is a Barolo", I thought tasting it blind, "and knowing Benny Rosen it probably is, then it's a very classic rendition".

WineRoute, about 400 NIS.