Sake, Bordeaux, Piedmont, Napa, Burg

Dinner at Mandarin Grill + Bar.

Dewazakura sparkling (出羽桜 スパークリング) - naturally sparkling, aged for 15 years below zero.  Not many bubbles.  Very fruity on the nose, a little sweet, with tropical, stone fruits.  A little fermented and oxidized nose, but very fresh.  Dry on the palate with a very short finish, almost flat later after sitting in glass.  With the second pour, much more depth on the palate and no longer flat.  With the last pour the banana notes came out.

2014 Le Petit Cheval Blanc - very pipi de chat, green apple, and lots of toast in the nose.  Really nice acidity here, a little sharp.

2009 Vietti Barolo Brunate - good acidity here, still a little tannic.

1998 Colgin Cabernet Sauvignon Herb Lamb Vineyard - decanted more than 1½ hours before serving.  What a beautiful wine!  Much more elegant than I expected, with lots of fruit, a little smoky, and surprisingly no coconut whatsoever.  Very smooth with good acidity.  More than 2 hours later, showing some coffee in the fragrant nose along with some lovely fruit.

1997 René Engel Échezeaux - toasty corn with some nice fruit, but a little overwhelmed by the dusty nose.

Full post on dinner is here.