On Christmas Eve we started with a couple bottles of NV Michel Turgy
Blanc de Blanc Reserve. We had visted M. Turgy a number of times over
the years as he is in Mesnil-Sur-Oger right across from the famed Clos
de Mesnil. The wine was a bit one dimentional and slightly flat. Not
a bad bottle to serve to a crowd for cocktails and hors. Moved on to
a prime beef rib roast from Allen Brothers and I opened a 1998
Jaboulet La Chapelle and a 2005 SQN Atlantis Syrah.

1998 Jaboulet La Chapelle-Medium red in the glass showing a clear
rim. Bright nose of red berries a bit of cherry, beef blood, red beet
and sage. Medium weight on the palate. Elegant and polished with
smooth red and black fruits, a bit of beef blood and minerals. A nice
balance "A-"

2005 Sine Qua Non Atlantis Syrah-Black in the glass. Blackberries and
earth on the nose with a bit of black pepper. Dense on the palate
with a deep ripeness yet not cloying or jammy. This guy is making
very interesting wines that keep growing on me. "B+"

Last night we made D'Artagnan's duck cassoulet. I opened a bottle of
2002 Dom Perignon to go with the apps. and a bottle of 2004 Anne Gros
Clos Vougeot.

2004 Anne Gros Clos Vougeot-Medium reddish purple in the glass. Nose
of pinot fruit, a bit of spicy cedar notes. Deep black fruit and
black cherry flavors with an earthy, woodsy finish. Good not great.
"B"