While it’s hard to believe, I passed the 6-month mark at my “new” job. It’s been an eventful 6 months— record breaking snow shutting down the office for a week, 6 major projects (and 2 more waiting in the wings), the creation of “Allison’s Law” about all the things that will wrong during a one of my major projects, a Spanish wine tasting with my new coworkers, numerous fun happy hours, and just a general feeling of constantly being busy. I feel like I’ve been in my position just long enough to be comfortable, but not quite long enough to avoid the occasional newbie hiccups. In celebration of my transformation from being a true newbie to a more seasoned member of the staff, last Wednesday I brought out the Burgundy glasses that my former coworkers gave me at my going away party and popped the cork on a Burgundy that I bought 6 months ago to break in the new glasses.
2006 Domaine Besson Les Grands Pretans Givry 1er Cru
The 2006 Domaine Besson Les Grands Pretans Givry 1er Cru (snooth) was a dark ruby with a garnet rim. On the nose, there were cherries, cranberries, and raspberries with the slightest hint of cooking spice. In the mouth, there were tart raspberries, sour cherries, and a hint of nutmeg and roasted meat. The wine had low tannins and high acidity with a medium body.
Is this worth a glass after work? Definitely! If you see this wine in the store, grab it; you won’t be disappointed. At $28, this wine had very reserved aromas that, once decanted, came through as a brilliant mix of red fruits. The wine was quite enjoyable on its own, particularly as I drank it while watching Hubby make dinner, but it also paired nicely with the chicken that he made. All in all, if you’re looking for a solid Burgundy, this is one that you definitely don’t have to be afraid of opening.
Overall: 4 Corks
As you get into your more high price wines where do you shop?
David–to be honest, it depends on what I’m looking for and when I’m looking for it. The two local, reliable wine stores that I frequent about once a week are in Arlington–(Arrowine and Grand Cru), although there are a few other LWS in the area that are worth exploring (like Curious Grape).
The one caveat is if I’m looking for Spanish wine, in which case I ALWAYS go to Jaleo’s Wine Shop in Crystal City. They do a wonderful job about getting to know you, to the point of where if I walk into the Jaleo Wine Shop, even if months have passed, and they recognize me. To me customer service combined with good wine knowledge is key, and I’ve always been pleasantly surprised with my Jaleo’s Wine Shop. That said, it’s sometimes difficult to get help, so don’t be shy in flagging down a someone because if you don’t, you’ll end up in the wine shop buy yourself, indefinitely.
The other wine store that I frequent, particularly for imports, is Schneider’s of Capitol Hill. It’s a little harder with my new job, as I’m not walking distance to Schneider’s anymore, but they have the largest selection of imported wine in the DC Metro area. On top of that, the staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. No matter how vague of a description of wine you give, those guys at Schneiders pick out a delicious bottle that fits the purpose of my wine buying excursion, as if I need a reason. In the end, their extensive selection and knowledge makes me continue to rely on them for my most difficult wine-buying needs.
I hope that helps…but if not, let me know. If you’re looking for something in particular in the DC area, maybe I can point you in the right direction.
Love the Curious Grape which has a wonderful staff. Have not been to Schneider’s of Capital Hill in years but a very good store as well. Hope to visit your other recommendations soon.