Kyoto Protocol VI

Our numbers were a bit low this evening, as G. couldn't find his back legs, and S. decided to go for yoga instead. Really, what is the world coming to these days? To start things off, a local brew, Tsuki no Katsura Junmai. Has that soft feminine Kyoto style thing going, but also just a bit more umami and edge.


NV Jo Landron Atmospheres Methode Traditionelle (Nantes) - an 80/20 blend of Folle blanche/Pinot noir. Loamy, nutty, bracing acidity, a touch foamy and green, very refreshing. Fatigue-antidote.


2008 Lapierre Morgon (Sans Soufre) - purchased by J in Kyoto, to toast the passing of Marcel Lapierre. Have to say, I much prefer the sulphured versions. Not sure of the chemical reasons, but there's definitely a ripeness that is lacking in this. My understanding is ML only produced this at the request of one U.S. importer, who only sells it through their own store. And then a small amount gets to Japan and possibly elsewhere.


2007 Raul Perez El Castro de Valtuille Mencia Joven (Bierzo) - a very cab-franquish unoaked mencia, with just a touch more fruit. Tasty.


2000 Kracher Welschriesling TBA #8 - my man J's notes are far more impressive than mine, so I quote: "This is sordid stuff. Rubensian women dripping apricot jam off their breasts down into your mouth as you float down a river of butter...this is decadence without prejudice (in the Apocalypse Now sense).