51 years , still yesterday I made 33.

Went to my favourite restaurant in Marbella (SKINA) and had an outstanding experience.
Food and service were truly Excelsior, and Marcos once again brought out those magical liquids… I didn’t take tons of pictures this time, as I usually do, but those two… oh lord.

First, an Echézeaux by négociant Paul Compain. Back in those days he managed to secure paperwork that linked the wine to parcels now considered among the four best of the cru.

From the very first glass it roared like a panther bursts of fruit that, within just ten minutes, transformed into tertiary layers: like stepping into an old cigar lounge filled with polished wood, leather, and freshly ground coffee.

Damn… I won’t even attempt DRC again until I can line them up side by side.

The 1974 Echézeaux was playing poker through the main courses, bluffing and revealing with every sip. The colour seemed to deepen with oxygenation or was it just my imagination?

Either way, it was pure delight to witness what a bottle carrying 51 years of history can still deliver. Sharing it with the dining room team made it even more special the young staff were mesmerized by the chocolate-like aromas rising from their glasses.

And then, our favourite Sauternes… 2010. Refined, not yet wearing that deep golden robe, but instead brimming with flowers, candied orange, and stone fruits wrapped in molasses.

I expected greatness, yet it still surprised me.

I hope you enjoy these pictures and my attempt to capture the experience as much as I did living it.
Tonight my companion was an ex from a year ago, nothing more than good company, but she too seemed to collide beautifully with those liquid treasures.