Burgs and old Grange

Dinner at a friend's home.

2014 Nicolas Joly Clos de la Coulée Serrant - nose was pretty typical of this wine, reductive and slightly pungent, with honey and pollen notes. Pretty ripe and rounded on the palate.

1983 Taupenot-Merme Charmes-Chambertin - served 1 hour after decanting. Mushroom, leather, and some eucalyptus on the nose. Nice and mature with good sweetness on the palate.

2004 Ponsot Clos de la Roche Cuvée Vielles Vignes - decanted 40 minutes after opening and served 1½ hours after decanting. Initially very open and fragrant, lots of leather, not too sweet and fruity. Pretty fragrant 2 hours after decanting and got better, showing toasty and woodsy notes.

1981 Penfolds Grange - decanted just before serving almost 2 hours after opening. Tons of exotic coconut, lots of sweet vanilla and mint. Somehow died 30 minutes after decanting, and additional pours were much leaner, more smoky leather and not a lot of fruit. Need to note for future reference that 2½ is the limit for this wine.