Lots of glamour, flash and actually a little "Substance"

Last night was someone at Crush's last night before they moved back to Texas . . . so the old Crush Crew went out on the town to celebrate this historic night. We first went to some Japanese sushi/sake den on 49th and 5th but waited too long and we were thirsty so action had to be taken. We left and settled on Blue Fin which most people do not know has one of the finest wine lists in New York City. It is near Times Square and is a huge tourist destination. The front bar and table area are right up against a big window into the street and you can look at the endless supply of passersby. Always entertaining and one of my favorite places to enjoy wine in the city. The clientele is definetly high-impact, chi-chi, socialistas which makes it all the more fun and entertaining. Ironic the wine I chose to drink was "Substance." Paolo Villiera has put together a knock you on your ass list of tons of great Riesling, Burgundy and an amazing selection of big house and Grower Champagne. Was eying the list and saw Jacques Selosse "Substance" for a very fair price. Was with three other people and we decided to split it. Never had "Substance" and have always wanted to as the other Selosse wines I have had have been nothing short of sensational. This is his tete de cuvee per se and because Selosse stopped being imported into this country after 9/11 the wines have become next to impossible to find. This is Blanc de Blancs and a NV wine. So it is kind of like Krug in that it is a tete de cuvee NV or in Krug's case MV (multi-vintage).


The wine was amazing, plain and simple. Initially the nose was all saline, pralines and minerals with some piquant tangerine fruit on the nose. The palate had absolutely mindboggling levels of concentrated bright citrus fruits on the sleekest lithest frame you can imagine. It danced, prickled and tickled your palate and the mid-palate definition was nothing short of brilliant. It was one of those special wines that kept changing every time I sipped it our held it up to my nose. The minerality was dense, concentrated and beautifully complemented all the fruit. There was alot of fruit in this. More than I expected. The finish was long and mineral and delineated like the best bubblies I have had. Kept opening and getting deeper and more complex as the night went on. The last sip was the best. An incredible experience.