Dinner notes:

2004 Balthasar Ress Hattenheimer Shutzenhaus Riesling Kabinett - this
Rheingau wine was a perfect match with the salmon mousse starter.
Light in colour, good fruit in the nose, although little petrol, sweet
fruit on palate and an instant gush of acidity that was very
refreshing.

1993 Armand Rousseau Gevrey Chambertin - this was the village wine,
not the Clos St. Jacques. It opened with a spicy cherry nose, and was
smooth and well balanced, completely pleasurable with nothing to
disturb the impression.

1992 Armand Rousseau Chambertin Clos de Beze - a vintage often
overlooked, this wine had nothing to apologize for. More complex in
the nose with both fruit and an earthiness present, greater length and
persistence, sweeter fruit all around, and it continued to open nicely
in the glass for some time. Very nice.

With duck confit and duck breast.

1985 Warres Port - pretty decent nose, not too hot, with dried fruit
and some coffee. The colour showing very slightly paler than in the
past, but deep enough to label it as an 80s wine before you tasted
it. On palate, more heat, but nothing objectionable, and there was
more red fruit than was evident in the nose. Medium body, with soft
tannins. Probably now pretty much fully mature, but I think this one
should have an interesting future and may age very gracefully,
possibly picking up even more flavour complexity and interest. I have
a small stash that I haven't touched yet and will look at it in a few
years.


A very pleasant way to spend an evening.