Not only is working at RL Liquid Assets a blast to work for with a great working environment and friendly employees, but every so often the executives at RL Liquid Assets take out the staff to team dinners to experience fine dining with none other than fine wine. We also have the occasional Fridays with tastings as well! The dinner location was at one of Carlsbad top restaurants called – Vigilucci‘s. The wine line up from last weeks dinner was the following below. Thanks again to the executives for dinner and the experience!
Wine Lineup:
1983 Chambertin Clos de Beze Robert Groffier
2004 DRC La Tache
2002 Kistler Cuvee Catherine
1982 La Dominique
1955 Chateau Gilette Sauternes
1983 Chambertin Clos de Beze, Robert Groffier
No tasting notes available (BH, RP, WS)
2004 DRC La Tache
Burghound Tasting note: This too is sublime in its subtlety and grace with ineffably pure aromas and it strikes a balance between the opulence of the RSV and the restraint of the GE with an expressive yet ultra fine nose of rose petals, violets and seductive spice notes that introduce unbelievably refined flavors that seem crafted from silk and lace, culminating in a linear, mouth coating finish that detonates like a bomb and lasts and lasts. At present, this is taut and precise with the lithe muscularity of a world class gymnast yet it is not lean or unduly tight as there is a generosity to the mid-palate that serves to buffer the underlying tannic spine that will permit this to age for decades. This is clearly a great wine that epitomizes the concept of power without weight. Score: 95 Tasted: January 1, 2007
2002 Kistler Cuvee Catherine RP 95
A Pinot Noir Dry Red Table wine from Russian River Valley, Sonoma, North Coast, CA
The 2002 Pinot Noir Cuvee Catherine, which comes from the Kistler Vineyard, is a 500-case cuvee that shows wonderful notes of flowers intermixed with black raspberries, cherries, and forest floor. It is medium-bodied, impressive, and long and authoritative. It should drink well for 10-12 years. Wine Advocate #157, Feb 2005.
1982 Chateau La Dominique RP 93
A Bordeaux blend dry red table wine from St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France.
The 1982 La Dominique has been fully mature for at least 15 years, but if stored in a cold cellar, it holds on to its beautiful fruit. There is a slight hint of prunes, along with licorice, herbs, jammy black cherry and cassis fruit as well as that subtle seaweed smell that I associate with nori, the wrapper used in sushi restaurants. Still full-bodied, complex, and tasty, it is ready for prime time consumption. I don’t know how much longer the fruit will hold, so owners of this 1982 should not tempt fate. Release price: ($75.00/case) Wine Advocate 183, June 2009
1955 Gilette Sauternes RP 87
A Sauternes Blend Sweet White Dessert wine from Barsac/Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
From Robert Parkers Bordeaux Book: Fully mature, but still astonishingly fresh and alive, the 1955 Gilette is deep golden in color, with a rich, honeyed bouquet, full body, and a ripe, long finish. It can probably last another 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005. Last tasted, 11/90.
Service Comments:
Tuesday night, let’s just say that our server was on the “B” Team. Tried hard, not a pro. The restaurant chef didn’t seem prepared to handle any special requests. The desire to serve was there. We had a nice table on the patio with a great view of the Pacific. Overall the food was excellent and the overall vibe was pleasant.
Food Comments:
The wine paired nicely with Vigilucci’s cuisine. The scallop dish had a very flavorful vegetable ragout that accompanied it, and was delicious with and without the wine.
Wine Comments:
I was really enjoying the Burgundies, and hadn’t had a chance to taste wines that were so different in style. (KA)
Please enjoy the rest of the photos from the event!
