Bryan Family X'mas Dinner 2005 2005/12/25

Year	Wine	Price	Rating
2004	Konrad Sauvignon Blanc, Marlsborough First time drinking New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc for me and kk. It is very full flavored, citrus, lime, fresh cut grass, evolving wildly. Has a creamy body and long finish. Excellent match to a tuna tartare made with sesame oil, lemon/honey vinaigrette and a touch of serrano chiles. - so - ws	13.99	****
2003	Leeuwin Prelude Chardonnay, Margaret River Cousin to the famous Leeuwin Art Series. I had thought this would have been a buttery, thick Chard. But turns out it has a crispy clean palate, rather closed, having pineapple, citrus, mineral and spice. Distinctive and a good match to the Warm Lobster in Beurre Blanc sauce, but not very impressive. - so - ws	19.99	***
2001	Opus One, Napa Valley Very classic Op. 1 style with cloves, very fragrant French oak, blackberries, and turning a bit barnyardy (not unpleasant) just like the 1995. I was not impressed when tasted this during its release. Afterwards I have tasted twice with great lasting impression. Full body, long finish. Matching this with a very concentrated lobster broth has been a great success. - so - ws	130	*****
1989	Leoville-Barton, St. Julien tobacco, cedar, blackcurrant, a bit tart, very smooth and classy. I experimented with matching it to a traditional Chinese Clay Pot Rice. The mildly sweet soy sauce, the slightly caramelized rice and the earthy mushroom does match an aged Bordeaux very well. - so - ws	120	*****
2003	Torbreck Runrig, Barossa Valley I had thought this would have been a jammy fruit bomb, but actually it is quite restrained. Very complex plum, blackberry jam, blackcurrant, mineral, lavender and pepper. The honey-glazed pork tenderloin in blackcurrant jam/tokay sauce was too overwhelming and didn't bring out the best of this wine. Perhaps a duck in truffle sauce might be more appropriate. Very smooth, full body and long finish. Need a bit more time to integrate. - so - ws	169	*****