Recently I discovered some old and possibly dead dessert wines in my cellar. I then invited a few friends over to see if any of these were still drinkable. All but one are .375ml bottles, some with mid to low shoulder fill. We did everything backwards. First tasting all the dessert wines, followed by one of Val's great meals paired with table wine. Followed by Mark's creme brulee and more dessert wine.
The 1979 Tokaji was oxidized but very much alive, it had a caramel nose and a coffee aftertaste.
Most of the California wines were drinkable but far past their prime. Of the Sauternes, the 2001 Rabaud-Promis was the best.
It paired perfectly with the Fois Gras. The star of the afternoon was as expected the 1970 Graham's Vintage Port. Paired well
with the Stilton cheese. We used a acetylene torch to heat the port tongs with surprising results.
Hungary
#1, 1979 Tokaji Aszu, 5 Puttonyos
California
#2, 1985 Renaissance, Riesling, N.Yuba #3, 1985 Arciero, Riesling, Santa Barbara #4, 1986 Kenwood, Riesling, Sonoma #5, 1987 De Loach, Gewurztraminer, Russian River Valley #6, 1987 Stonegate, Sauv. Blanc, Napa #7, 1989 Clos Du Bois, "Fleur d'Alexandra", Gewurztraminer, Sonoma
Sauternes
#8, 1985 Chateau Bastor Lamontagne #9, 1996 Cru d'Arche-Pugneau #10, 2001 Chateau Rabaud-Promis
Portugal
#11, 1970 Graham's Vintage Port, 750ml, WS-94 WA-93
.750ml, 44 year old, Vintage rated 95 points.
