MNSC dinner - Rhône

MNSC dinner at the Mandarin Grill. Theme was Rhône.

1996 Chapoutier Ermitage De L'Orée - for some unknown reason no one got enough of this wine. It was creamy, buttery, and lacking of the usual mineral nose. Unfortunately temperature wasn't quite right as it was too cold and nose was not open.

1991 Guigal La Landonne - this was a deep ruby color. Nose was bacon fat, grilled meats, without any violet or floral notes typical of viognier. Tannic and a bit hard on the palate.

1991 Guigal La Mouline - notes of lavender, floral, mint, and this was very open. The taste was "soapy" with round tannins, and a good, long finish. Thoroughly enjoyable. This was much better than my last bottle a year ago.

Bought from Vinum for SGD 541.

1991 Guigal La Turque - the nose also showed lavender but was less open. It was also very good and probably my favorite of the night, just as good as I remember from 2½ years ago.

Bought from Vinum for SGD 541.

1972 Jaboulet La Chapelle - the edges have turned amber and fading. The nose was pain grillé and gamey, grilled meats. Smooth, silky tannins but the finish was a bit short.

1996 Chapoutier Hermitage Vin de Paille, en demi-bouteille - bouquet was full of sugar cane, sweet corn, and beet sugar, along with toasty oak. It was only medium sweet but still very nice.

Bought from Berry Brothers for GBP 55.