La Chablisienne, Tirel-Guerin in St Malo

As I am researching my new book on Climate Change and Wine, I find myself drawn to my old tasting notes from when I fell under the spell of the voluptuous seductiveness, the savoury textures and the animal perfumes of the Burgundies of the ’80 and ‘90s. I cannot help but compare the alcohol levels and trace my notes throughout the decades.

La Chablisienne Lunch at Tirel-Guerin in St Malo

21 February 1994

1991 La Chablisienne, Vieilles Vignes

Served with an oyster broth which gave it a slight metallic after-taste. But its attack was fruity and focused. Palate round and balanced. Really nice.

The wines below were served with Coquilles Saint-Jacques des Cotes d’Armor aux Senteurs Perigourdines (avec truffles et foie gras dans une brique – I still dream of this dish.) :

1989 Premier Cru « Beauroy »

Mediocre …metalic, lacking body.

1990 Premier Cru « Cote de Lechet »

A joy. Luscious and complex and full of personality. Very well-made.

1990 Premier Cru « Fourchaume »

Served too chilled and the robe was a milky cloudy white. It settled and cleared, revealing a luxuriously rich and appealing wine. Fourchaume is my favourite vineyard in Chablis, and this one does not disappoint.

The wines below were served with a Pintadeau Fermier Poêle au Shiitake :

1990 Premier Cru « Bougros »

Excellent…a white birch tree after a spring raisntorm. Musk. Ondulating and voluptuous.

1990 Premier cru « Blanchot »

A very upfront nose – so much so that there is little to follow on the palate. Slightly metallic and acidic.

1989 Premier Cru « Château Grenouille »

Again, served too chilled and with a cloudy robe, but cleared to a fruity delight. Notes of oranges.

1984 Premier Cru « Les Preuses »

Delicious. Best of the day. Served with fromage du Darley en salade aux sésames dorés.

Crémant de Bourgogne served with chocolate mi-amer Valrhona.