Continuing my journey through my wine cellar, I felt it was time to open a bottle I have been hoarding for twenty plus years. It was a 1985 Mouton Rothchild given to me by a longtime wine buddy. Insofar as you just never know what old bottles will do, I of course opened two other bottles to breathe in case the Mouton did not deliver; a 2004 Kalleske Old Vine Grenache from Barossa Valley down under and a 2009 Albatross Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Reserve from Gorman Winery in Woodinville, Washington.
The lamb was rinsed and dried and marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, crushed garlic, chopped rosemary and dried mustard for three or so hours. Margie made some wonderful scalloped potatoes with cheese and onions, and a side of green peas.
For starters, we had cheese and crackers with a bottle of 2022 Aubert UV-SL Vineyards Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast Region. Aubert does an excellent job with their Chardonnays, but I am uncertain if they deserve their mailing list asking price.
I cooked the racks of lamb on the grill, giving both sides eight or nine minutes each, which was a bit much as two of the three racks came in at medium rare rather than rare. But I have a very hot searer burner.
Once again, my Durand cork screw proved its value, not only with the almost forty year old Mouton but also with the twenty year old Kalleske!
Well, the Mouton shined very well, as did the Kalleske. But the Albatross was the winner. Dark color, very balanced, rich flavors and a long finish. We served a chocolate ganache cake with dessert that let the Albatross really roll along!
Good eats, good wines and good friends!
0 Comments