Leslie Fisher in Austin - 34th Street Cafe (2/4/2008)

Leslie Fisher was in town for a conference, so a small number of us Austinites gathered to show her a good time. We convened at 34th Street Cafe (as we often do) to break some bread and share some wine.

• 2000 Launois Pere et Fils Champagne Blanc de Blancs - France, Champagne, Le Mesnil Sur Oger, Champagne
  Reliable as always. Typically young BdB with apple peel, a hint of citrus, yeasty brioche dough, and lots of minerality. For the retail of $36, this is as good as it gets for my taste,

• 2005 Huët Vouvray Sec Clos du Bourg - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
  Apple, honey, straw, blossom aromas and flavors along with pronounced minerality. I most vividly and fondly remember the honey notes. Worth seeking out.

• 1993 Robert Ampeau & Fils Volnay 1er Cru Santenots - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Volnay 1er Cru
  Another sensational bottle tonight. Great funk, citrus peel and earth on the nose, but also followed by deeply pitched, dark fruit. Extra finesse with lots of power all in one package. Long finish. Great bottle that makes you wish you had a case of it.


• 1996 Cascina Bongiovanni Barolo Pernanno - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
  This is the real deal. When I first opened it and poured a sip, it was rusty around the edges and didn't give much. With time, the color deepens and the aromas of tar, rose petal, licorice, and game come out. Some tobacco and earth show with plums, berry, and truffles on the palate. I connected with this emotionally. Highly recommended.


• 2004 Larkin Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley
  Not my style. Very heavy on oak and vanilla. Fruit is there, but definitely in the background. One positive thing is that the acidity is good on this wine, so it doesn't come across as over-extracted, but I think the oak will never integrate and was used too plentifully when considering the fruit and structure of this wine.

We also had a Shiraz/Cab from 1985 that was very nice, but for the life of me, I cannot remember the name of the wine, so I will have to add that tasting note later. Thanks for everyone who made this tasting and let's do it again soon.