Chateau Latour a Pomerol 1994
Another day suffering through work and life on the Italian Riviera and somehow managed to endure another epic sunset. I think nature did its very best when creating this part of the world. Nearly every morning I awake to a sunrise that takes my breath away. Alright, alright… that is when I manage to get my sleepy self out of bed in time to see the sunrise, which granted is not an every day occurance.
But this evening… the Med put on some of her softest hues, demanding that all stop for at least a moment and enjoy just how very lovely she can be. Despite the cool February air, there is already a gentleness in the air, a slight whispering warmth hinting seductively that Spring is coyly awaiting her turn.
After a decidedly long, but productive day at work and a wonderful surprise opportunity that has come my way, more on that later, I made my way to one of my favorite restaurants in Genova, Le Perlage, where the ever gracious and warm owner had decanted our wine for the evening in the late morning hours. In the morning you ask!? Why the hell so early? Because this wine, was a truly epic experience! Meet Chateau Latour a Pomerol 1994, a new best friend!
The only other time I’ve had the pleasure of such an exquisite vintage was with a 1971 Patriarche Pere et Fils Chambertin Grand Cru. Despite having been decanted at around 10am, by 8pm the wine was still slowly unveiling her luscious yet delicate airs, each sip slightly different from the last. Quite the seductress! With a wine like this you also need to pour her gently through a filter and leave a good bit in the bottom of the bottle as the amount of sediment is impressive.
Amazing to me that a wine of such epic vintage is so gentle on the palate, making conversation rather difficult as we all wanted to just enjoy her loveliness in quiet appreciation. With a wine this delicate we all chose some simple steamed vegetables (verdure miste di stagione stufate) and a light Mediterranean white fish baked in salt with some potatoes and artichokes hearts (a Genovese favorite). This wine would truly be destroyed by a meal with a heavy sauce. I think even a steak might possibly detract from her loveliness. This is one to be savored slowly on a night made for quiet reflection.