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Early
Summer '05
ESSEX COUNTY
WINE SOCIETY
Since our last complete issue of the WINE PRESS we have
had two events. We had a superb tasting of older Burgundies led by Richard
Steinberg followed by our annual Spring Dinner at the quite excellent and
accommodating Fascino restaurant in Montclair.
The older Burgundy tasting was presented with some
trepidation in that none of the wines had been pre-tasted and because of the
possibility (even probability) that these Burgundies would not have aged
gracefully. Our fears were absolutely unfounded. Richard Steinberg put on
a great and instructive tasting. The 1920 Romanee (whatever it was since
the label was just that ) seemed soft, mellow and almost ageless. Some
doubted that it was a 1920 as drinkable as it was. We then had two Beaune
wines, the 1952 Hospice de Beaune cuvee Nicolas Rolin and the 1966
Doudet-Naudin Aloxe Corton followed by three late 1980s wines, the 1988
Corton Bressandes (Nudant), the 1988 Clos de la Foret (d’Arlot) from Nuits
St. Georges, and a 1989 Gevrey Chambertin premier cru (Domaine Lucien
Boillot). The final group included a 1947 Charmes Chambertin (Bouchard) and
three 1957 wines: a Pommard Epenots (Latour); a Richebourg (Labaume); and a
Bonnes Mares (Bichot). Aside from one or two individual bottles all were
drinkable and some were really excellent. A few were almost ethereal. The
1952 Hospice de Beaune was soft and sweet with a lovely, long finish and the
1957 Bonnes Mares beautifully balanced. The 1988s and 1989 showed some
tannin but all were good and had a future.
This spectacular tasting will obviously not be repeated
exactly though the format may. Some suggested we plan a similar Bordeaux or
California Cabernet tasting.
Our Spring Dinner was held at Fascino in Montclair. The
food and service were excellent. The wines were selected to match the food
and generally they did quite well. We have included a copy of the menu for
those who could not attend. Many thought the 2002 Joly Savennieres and the
1977 Fonseca stood out as being the better wines of the evening.
Our Fall Dinner (really more of a picnic) will be held
at Mark Chase’s house in Montclair on Sunday the 18th of
September. The 2005-2006 schedule of tastings is included in this mailing.
(We feel it is important to reprint the following from
the Summer letter of 2004.) We must acknowledge that our society is a
volunteer organization and only if and when members assume responsibility
will the society function as it has for the past thirty-three years.
Members should attend most events. The by-laws state that those members who
do not attend fifty percent of the tastings and dinners jeopardize their
status in the society. If the tastings do not meet your expectations,
please contact the officers of the society. Better yet, ask to become an
officer in the society. You too can help decide on future tastings and as a
bonus, attend executive committee meetings at which some interesting wines
are served. When asked to assume a leadership role in the society, please
rise to the challenge and accept. Your executive committee is an excellent
one and has assumed responsibilities the members would be happy to share.
Wine cellar fees are used to purchase wine to be served
at future dinners. We usually buy from four to six cases of wine each year
to replace those we have drunk. If you have suggestions of wines we should
buy, please let the executive committee know your proposed choices. The
committee has also decided to refund wine cellar fees if requested if the
member leaves and has been a member for less than one year and refund
one-half if a member leaves between the first and second year.
Our web site (ecwsnj.com) is still under construction
but it is up and running. The Wine Press, schedule, and history of the
Society are available to all. There is also a member’s only section.
Some members have requested that the WINE PRESS be sent
by e-mail. We sent some by e-mail this past society year but also sent it
to the same individuals by regular mail. We will discontinue the regular
mailing for those who prefer e-mail only. Dick Vila will provide mailing
envelopes for those who would need them at the next tasting. We have
enclosed a reply form to notify us of your desire for e-mail.
Have a wonderful summer. Drive and swim safely. Drink
sensibly (and let it be great wine)
In vino veritas and a votre sante
Bob and Howard.
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