Pride of Palate

Domo in Paris by Lily Chou

Back in March I attend the Diageo Chateau & Estate Burgundy Tour tasting and wrote about it here. Recently I saw that a white burgundy I raved about at the tasting, the 2007 Domaine Philippe Colin Grand Cru Chevalier-Montrachet -- received 95 points from Wine Spectator.

I always say points or no points it’s what you like that counts. But I did feel quite smug and somewhat proud that I selected the same wine as something quite special. Even though I preach taste for yourself, it was somewhat validating to know that my palate knew it was on to something special and that wine "experts" agreed it was exceptional.

Here’s what I wrote about it back then:

The Grand Cru Chevalier-Montrachet 2007 gob-smacked me. I am still thinking about it five days later. It was classic and elegant like a signature scent. If Chanel No. 5 was a wine this might be it. Despite being 14% alcohol it had a food friendly demeanor with a long loving embrace of a finish. It was the essence of ambrosia. I was completely captivated by this wine.

My top three reds (all 2007's) also received high points:

Jean Grivot Clos de Vougeot --92

Doamine de Courcel Pommard Grand Clos des Epenots --90

G. Rounier Morey-St.-Denis Clos de la Bussiere --91

I know it’s popular for wine bloggers to dis the old guard wine writers and especially those from the big glossy magazines, but I don’t feel that way. I just think you need to form your own opinions and not rely solely on points or reviews by others.

The most important thing you get from having a wide experience tasting many wines is confidence. If I’m at a winery and I don’t care for a particular wine, I feel I can really trust my palate. No need to second-guess it. Tasting rooms are sales rooms after all, and sometimes you can be swayed by more than what is in the glass. So pay attention to the wine first.

It’s been three months now and I’m still thinking about those wines of Burgundy. I seriously need to consider a journey to France and visit the land where they are made. (Sponsorship anyone? Please chime in.)

Photo Credit: Domo in Paris by Lily Chou