March 8, 2006 - Dinner at Tribute

Bunch of friends had dinner at Tribute the other night. The group was large enough as to get the "Library room" upstairs. The food was decent and competent, no complaints from the crowd which is usually quite picky. Very nice ambience. With that a few comments on the wines.

Les Heritiers du Comte Lafon Macon Uchizy
2002 La Marenchess. Very nice upfront. minerality, acidity, softness bright. Lovely meal starter. 89-90 pts

2002 Clos de la Crochette. Much more brooding, more powerful serious wine. Needs time to unwind and has that tinge of bitterness I usually attribute to a white Chassagne-Monrachet. 90+pts

1993 Penfolds Bin 707
IMHO much better than '94. Full bodied, nose was... monolithic and no-surprises. In the mouth tannins were obvious, finish... can't even recall. 91pts

1996 Pichon Lalande
Cork was soaked halfway up indicating not exactly a pristine bottle. Nose was compelling and that green pepper Puillac smell was evident. In the mouth body was lighter than the 707 - while futile attempt comparing and Australian wine's body to a French, I thought the '96 should have had a bit more body... more indication the bottle wasn't 100%. Nice, nice tannins and good finish. This bottle gets 93pts but you get the feeling this thing should have been a 95+ pointer if in good shape.

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