We started by trying a MichaelP mystery wine. Looked old to me, a bit cloudy and red. Acid and little tannin on the palate, with ripe red fruit and a long finish. I was not at all sure what it was, but ultimately thought it was a CdP from the 1970s. It turned out to be a 1988 Rayas. It showed much older than I would have expected and a subtle and excellent wine. The few times I have had Rayas I have liked it, but I'd rather spend my CdP money on Beaucastel or Pegau.
We then had Champagne with gougeres. The Champagne was one I hadn't had before, a 2017 Ruppert Leroy Martin-Fontaine. Oddball grower Champagne, 100% Chardonnay with very low dosage. I liked it but it isn't for everyone, and something I would serve except with wine folks. Very vinous, very lean. Still tight, but lots of complexity and fruit to come.
With a homemade lasagna we had my mystery wine. Very youthful, purple in color, with ripe fruit but not a lot of depth and length. Knowing what I tend to serve, Nalan guessed 1964 Bordeaux. She was right - it was a 1964 Troplong Mondot. It never was a great wine, but very typical for a well-stored St. Emilion from 1964 with its ripe fruit. We all enjoyed it a lot.
Michael also brought a 1983 Pichon Lalande which we had non-blind. Very youthful and it great shape, it was a pleasure to drink. Very 1983 in being complete, balanced, and fully mature without being over the hill.
With a chestnut and cognac souffle we had a half of 1986 Rayne Vigne Sauternes. In perfect shape and the right time to drink it. Not too sweet, good botrytis, good upfront palate, and a great match with the souffle.
A good time had by all, and a great reminder to get together with your fellow BWEers!
