in the streets of Barcelona ...

... we wander and sometimes we stumble onto interesting things.

DF

celebrating La Mercè

Barcelona has stopped in its tracks to celebrate La Mercè. It's been a great experience to see everything, and there are A LOT of things to see. Impossible to catch them all, but we did try, starting with the Castellers. Incredible. The teams compete, piling up one top of the other to 8 stories or so. The person on the very top is always a child in a helmet - bravery like no other, they climb to the top and have to raise their arms to make the tower eligible to compete. Incredible, and well worth the chest-to-back crowds.

Moving out a bit, we got to the cathedral where we caught the traditional Catalan folk dance, La Sardana. Everyone gets in a circle, and as you can see, it's all in the footwork.

And tonight, I caught a surprise performance of the OCB, the Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona I Nacional de Catalunya. Lots of Strauss being performed, getting the crowd all excited. What a beautiful venue - outdoors in the perfect night weather, against the spectacular backdrop of the Catedral de Barcelona. After all the partying, I needed some culture today, and while I wasn't able to see Pure Views (closed today and tomorrow), this was some well-needed alone time (shared with a crowd of thousands). A very good night. The actual day of La Mercè is tomorrow, ending with a light show and closing ceremonies. I might make it ... I might not. But what an experience.

DF

the things we choose to see

One of the things everyone's told me about is how interesting Barcelona is to walk around in. And seeing's how wandering is really what I love to do, it's been a fantastic few weeks here. Been really getting to know a few neighbourhoods, particularly El Born and the Gothic Quarter. The middle photos - the carvings on the walls of the building depict a local saint who was beatified in 1806 and ascended to sainthood in 1909.

Which got me thinking.

To the Roman Catholics, becoming a saint is, well, the ultimate affirmation of the strength of your faith? A process that takes not only a lifetime to reach, but a hundred, if not hundreds more years afterwards. By no means do I aspire to anything resembling sainthood, but in the (much) shorter term, how will we look upon our time in this program, and how will we be looked upon? Nineteen months isn't all that long, and after an intense week of orientation, that point has been securely hammered into everyone's mind. Sure, academics is so crucial, but everything from this point forward has to be done with career management in mind. No more fooling around, no more time to let things fall where they may. Everything's for real now, and we're all playing for keeps.

Just one more thought, because it's late, and I want to get up at a reasonable hour tomorrow to get some work done so I can go out. We had a few sessions on leadership during orientation, and one of the discussions revolved around Orpheus, a chamber music orchestra without a conductor. Flipping the classical model on its head, Orpheus operates with equal contribution from all its members about the interpretation and execution of its repertoire. An incredibly fascinating group to examine and discuss. The only problem is that it was being discussed by business school students.

The straight and true - the discussion left me a little weary about what to expect. When you take something so unique as what Orpheus is doing - a pure study of music - and turn it all into business jargon (defining roles, flat structure, accountability), you strip away all purpose, all beauty. What are we talking about then? Sure, Orpheus is a great business case, which is why we're studying it, but shouldn't there be room for the true meaning of why they're doing it? We can't lose sight of the fact that the motivation that's the reason for their success is a true love and talent for music, not some adherence to a leadership model (as successful as it's been for them). Stripping everything down to efficiencies and role-defining kills why we're doing this.

We were told that IESE values a humanist approach to business. In all we do, we have to maintain a humanity. As one of the presenters said, the day it doesn't hurt anymore to fire someone is the day that you've lost your humanity. So I'm determined, as I officially begin my MBA in a few days, to retain a sense of romance and nuance in all that's to come, to not be lost in trying to talk business, but to remain true to what I am and what I love. That's how I want to look back on my time here, and to be looked upon.  

DF

a month in Barcelona, a month in paradise?

Paradise? Maybe. Maybe not. It's certainly been interesting though, since arriving in Barcelona exactly a month ago, today. Day 3 of our IESE Orientation, and it's been exhausting. A last morning lecture about leadership, before breaking for lunch and then an afternoon of presentations on career services and career management. I know they're trying to help, trying to give advice, but at some point, we (I) just need to shut it all out and just start going through it myself. All their advice in the world won't help. This is a 2 year program, and we're all mature students. This ain't undergrad no more. And since the ten or so 2nd years I've spoken to have given me ten different opinions about how their first year went, I'm inclined to not listen to another goddamn piece of advice. Let's get on with it.

Orientation notwithstanding ... this is a beautiful town. I know I tend to complain a lot, but I suppose it's just a natural impulse. I'm not actually that miserable. I was miserable in Toronto. And now that I'm here, I'm finally doing things on my own terms, in control of my own life. Finally. I've been given every chance to succeed here. I've got friends that love me and have my back. Friends who've supported throughout the hell that was the application process ... friends that were genuinely proud and happy that I got accepted here. Friends who've taken me out the last few weeks I was in Toronto, who gave me gifts, who wrote me cards, who drove out with me to the airport just for a final hug. I love you guys so much ... you are my motivation. No complaining here. When the shit hits the fan, when the work starts mounting up, when internship applications begin - no complaints. Because this is exactly what I wanted to do, exactly what I needed to do. I won't let you guys down.

- photos taken in El Born, Barcelona

DF

IESE Orientation, Day 1

So today we had our first day of orientation at IESE. A 10 hour day in full business attire, tie pin and all. The walk up was fine, but it was the walk back home in a wool suit, under the Barcelona sun that was the death of me.

A lot of interesting lectures and presentations today given by some very clever, accomplished, aspirational people. Lots of talk about leadership, about change, about upcoming economic trends. But a few things stood out, and they all had to do with our personalities, this ongoing personal development we were all beginning. We were shown a picture for a few seconds, just enough time to get a glimpse. We were told to guess what animal it was. A duck, a rabbit, some shouted. And all I saw was a squirrel. I guess I am a true Canadian. Head shape, correct, the way the thighs curl up, the tail tucked and arched at an angle. Unmistakably a squirrel. And as it turns out, the people who see squirrels are both highly intelligent, as well as highly sexual. Go figure. We did personality tests a while back for a company called Insights, and they sent a presenter over to explain our results. A booklet was printed out, with pages and pages detailing our personalities, our strengths/weaknesses, and how we should interact with our opposites. Eerily accurate. I mean ...

David's view of the world is concrete and specific although he will occasionally be more spontaneous than he appears at first sight.

He is aesthetically appreciative and values quality. He often sees when colours match or blend and may have a highly developed taste for art, music and food.

He is seen by others as intellectually independent. Both for himself and others, fun, relaxation and free time are scheduled and prioritised events. He has a distrust for the ostentatious, the speedy and the fanciful.

David may express affection non-verbally and appreciate others' company on a rather abstract level. He is suspicious of what may be lurking beneath a smile.

Straight truth there. A bit frightening actually, because I have no idea how they derived all this from that survey we took. But at least it's confirmed that yes, I have a clear idea of who I am, what I am. No self-delusion, high self-awareness. That's always a good thing right? We've got a full week planned ... they run a tight ship here. In the meantime, trying to enjoy it all, get back into the mindset of a student again. And one more weekend of carefree bar-hopping. One last weekend.

DF

experiencing La Diada and joining the cause

This Wednesday, September 11 marked a dark anniversary for all us North Americans, but here in Catalunya, they observe a somewhat sombre event as well. It is La Diada, the National Day of Catalonia, marking the defeat of the Catalan Army to the forces of the Bourbon King, Philip V of Spain on September 11, 1714. We started the day at Arc de Triomf, where a fairground was set up. Lots of tents selling flags, food, and history books. Tame. The evening got a little more interesting, as a human chain was organized stretching 400 km across Catalunya all the way to the French border. At 5:14 pm (17:14), everyone joined hands as we watched on monitors at Plaça de Catalunya. Emotions were running high, with lots of passionate speakers including the lady who organized the human chain (who also promptly broke down after saying good afternoon my Catalans). An incredible sight to witness, and inspiring to see so many people feel so passionately about something that happened 299 years ago. Will definitely be here next here, to see its 300th.

So, IESE orientation begins tomorrow. Not exactly school just yet, but things are starting to get real. And shit will get real real fast. I'm hopeful and excited - it's already been a great experience so far, and yes, everyone's relaxed and having fun now, but that's not why we're all here. I wonder how I'm going to look back on this period of time in a few years. Let's get started.

DF

alone and wandering

So I've been here a bit. Acclimated, a little? Last night I fell asleep hugging my pillow. A deep-seated complex in there somewhere, something sinister waiting to erupt? Maybe. Maybe not. It's ok to feel lonely in a new place. Even in a place like Barcelona.

I suppose I shouldn't be writing this stuff in public. Where my classmates can all see. But it's here, so if you do read this, all two of you, come say hi. We'll have a drink. Because what else is DF good for but to direct you to a good drink? I'm not the one you network with, there's no point - I have nothing really to offer except which gin to try next. Deep insecurities about if I even belong here, in this school, in this program? Bien sur. I'm not even speaking the right fucking language. I've only been in this country for a little over 3 weeks, so it will take some time. I'm trying. But, if I may, I give a jackshit about how others perceive me. A bad quality to have as an MBA candidate? Sure, but I is what is.

There was a class event tonight. Well, unofficial class event at a bar, before heading to a club. I had a few drinks, talked to some familiar faces, met some new ones. All good. And then we step into what was supposedly a swanky joint here and all I wanted to do was fuck on home, put some bluegrass on, and sing of death and glory. Why is that. Social fatigue after 3 weeks? Yes. But also because try as I might, I can't compromise myself, my true self. I've come to know some of my classmates, and I like a lot of them - a lot of them. But I refuse to believe that clubbing is the only way to be social. Jamais, jamais, jamais. Never will I ever be comfortable in that situation, and I'm too old, too tired to be pressured into it, for the sake of the experience.

I've met so many people in my short time here, more people than I've ever met in my life. A diverse, eclectic group that's already confirmed that coming here was the right decision. Yet why do I feel like I'm drifting towards the same old, same old? I'm having issues with cultural identity. What is it? Am I Chinese? Am I Canadian? I was called a banana last night. Non-maliciously, and she apologized profusely afterwards - probably a bit overboard as well. But it does get one thinking. In a very international setting, we simply are our nationalities. So what about immigrants? We do represent a very unique segment here, hence the confusion. I'm as much a Canadian as a Chinese person. Is it too much to be thought of as both?

The whole point of coming out here was to do something different. Yet routine is so familiar, so comfortable. It's so easy getting back to the same patterns of how I view people, how I interact. A change is definitely what I need, but it seems more and more obvious to me that changing demeanours is just as importantly a conscious decision. It's been tough, and I have to keep reminding myself. I'm a deeply, deeply emotional person, and I'm not always the most polite, the most diplomatic. But I'm honest and I do try to always be true to what I'm feeling. We let things fall as they may. If people like you for you, fantastic. If not, I'm too stubborn to try to change their mind. We are what we are. Why is it that I feel drawn towards certain people, why I feel like I naturally get along? It's a misguided way of approaching this whole thing, I think now. We have to make a distinction. So many people are describing each other as friends. And I can't do that, because I feel like if I do so, I'm insulting my true friends. My true loved ones, the people who unconditionally have my back and best interests at heart. I'm a friendly and open person, but it takes a long, long time before I can trust someone enough to consider them a friend. That's simply how DF is. And if I can't be myself here, then it's not the right place to be. We'll figure out soon enough.

Vale chicos. I'm a little drunk, I'm a little tired, and it's time for bed. Late, and listening to Suzanne Cox sing I am weary is not improving my mood. Good night my friends, and we'll talk tomorrow. Park Guell for me, and as I'm best, I'll be going alone. It's good to be alone. Pillows make great bed-mates - and unlike some women, they're less dangerous too.

DF

lunch at El Quim de la Boqueria

ˆ

Everyone talks about how great food in Barcelona is, but like ever urban city, there's also lots of bad food. Paris, Tokyo, New York, Shanghai - you can have transcendant food experiences, but also eat at places where the owners/chefs are clearly bored, uninspired, and otherwise simply untalented. I've experienced a few of those already here, but for one lunch, all those disappointments went away.

The Mercat de la Boqueria. A must-see on every tourists checklist during their Barcelona vacation, but locals come here too. For the seafood, for the produce - and for a quick bite. El Quim de la Boqueria, a busy bar set up right in the middle of the market, where standing to eat is sometimes part of the charm. And we stood. Lunch was stunning. The first time I experienced the magic that is los pimientos de Padrón, peppers from the village of Padrón whose harvest amounts to only about 15,000 kilos a year. Its season is ending fast, and I'm doing my best to consume as much as humanly (and financially) possible. Delicious. Full of that intense, sweet/smoky pepper flavour, while retaining a fabulous texture. Those flakes of salt sprinkled just before serving, the way the pepper's skin blisters but stays a brilliant green - a stunning, stunning find. Other things were ordered and consumed, but I'll never forget my first bite of this treasure.

Things are going to start getting real very fast. So before school begins, I want to remind myself why I'm here, why I made this sacrifice. I want to change my life and become a better person. Not to be a better analyst, or a better financial mind, or a better problem-solver. I want to be a better person. As I was (drunkenly) saying to a few classmates last night, I want to be open, but I can't compromise who I am as a person. I simply cannot. And gin, above all, reveals truth. That is my truth.

One thing at a time. One thing at a time. We're here for a reason and at least for me, I'm determined to simply be myself, drunk and stuffed with shellfish.

DF

making it feel like home

You know what's funny about this city? It totally lives up to its reputation as being super relaxed, super slow, super lazy. I got here August 18, and for the rest of the month, the streets were empty. I was thinking how strange it was, to be able to walk around with nary a soul around - we see more people out at night in Toronto. And then September hits, the people get back from vacation, and the city finally begins feeling like a real, working city. Overnight, literally - streets were packed. Just like that. I've been really enjoying cocktails here. Gin tonics every bit as good as advertised. Even these non artisanal bars - the Cafe Zurich - offer their unique twist on it. This particular twist intended to get you head over heels smashed. You think that's the drink? That was a pour of GIN.

We finally had our cleaning lady come in this Monday. Four guys, and although we're all old enough to clean up after ourselves and otherwise not be slobs, things accumulate. Our place looked sparkling after she was done, but there was still something missing ... things that didn't quite make it feel like home. So I went out the morning to IKEA again, to pick up a few final items. Pillows, kitchen utensils, a proper knife ...

And with still no (proper) wine stems in the house, had to make do with this thing as I opened the first bottle bought here. Went out to Vila Viniteca for a look, and left amazed. They do rosados so well in this country, and this one, the 2011 Pardas Sumoll from Penedès was sublime. Richly aromatic, but structured on the palate. Bone dry with very fine tannins. A fresh and truly delicious, complex wine.

But today, after our seminar at school on how to write your CV's (let's not get started), needed to get some fresh air and something to pick me up. Shopping for wine stems! Went out to the city's largest (and best?) shopping mall, L'Illa. Didn't find anything, so walked back to El Corte Inglés, but along the way, saw the display for Zara Home. Very nicely shaped stems at 4.99€ a pop, but wanted to take my chance. Patience is a virtue well rewarded. I found a tiny wine shop called Plaisirs du Vin. And I actually asked to buy their stems. Beautiful Riedels they use for tasting, at a discount. A very happy man. And she poured me a taste of a grenache from Priorat - stunning. Tight and tannic, yet so floral and balanced at 14.5% abv. Lots of exciting and new wines will pass through these stems and I can't wait. 

But tonight, needed to stay home and have rice. Just good, simple jasmine rice, fried with eggs and a splash of soy sauce. Now Barcelona feels like home.

DF

the last 3 bottles, finally saying goodbye

1997 Fleury Extra Brut Champagne | AC

2007 Cantina dei Produttori Nebbiolo di Carema | DOC Carema
1995 Oddero Barolo | DOCG

It's been three weeks in this city, and yeah, things are coming together. After a few rough ones, today was a good day.

The last bit of it. The last three wines I had in Toronto, the last three in the cellar that I simply had to open and share with the people most important to me. Each bottle, an interesting background, but it was never intentional to drink them together. But as these things usually end up, sometimes the most transcendent wine experiences happen by a happy accident. I suppose above all, the wines were originally bought to celebrate something. And then things happened and I felt so strongly that I had nothing, absolutely nothing to celebrate. So on the last Friday before I left Toronto for a long, long time, it finally made sense to allow myself, for one night at least, to celebrate.

These last meals - nothing epic. But I did have a few more roast ducks, some braised sea cucumber. Good, comforting home food. My mother's cooking which I won't be able to have for the next while. Onto new things, but it's good to remember what's important. We started with the Fluery Extra Brut. Bought for Christmas a few years ago, but left because it seemed so inappropriate to be drinking Champagne when I was miserable with my job, with what to do next, with my life. And I figured the 1997, tightly wound, would do fine with a few more years horizontally. Opening with a soft, satisfied sigh, the wine was stunning. So structured, very expressive - lovely creaminess and vinosity, that tension running all the way through. A grand, dignified wine.

I was really excited to see the Carema on shelves. We see a good amount of Barolo, Barbaresco, even a bit of Nebbiolo di Langhe. But these smaller areas of the Langhe, no, either the Piedmontese drink it all themselves or the number-crunchers of the LCBO got in the way. There's only two major producers in Carema anyways - and they're amazing. People need to experience these exciting, original, historical wines. This one, a young 2007 Riserva was eye-opening, mind-blowing, and other similarly over-the-top superlatives. Light in colour, focused and just singing of flowers and earth, minerals and bright red fruit. Tensile and linear, very fine, angular tannins. So true to itself, so proudly of the countryside. An incredible learning experience. And ending with the 1995 Oddero, a bottle I picked up from New York's Chambers Street Wines. My prize bottle, a first experience with mature Barolo. This is Oddero's normale cuvée, which comes from two vineyards -Bricco Chiesa and Bricco Fiasco - vines with an average age of 35 to 50 years. No French oak, all traditional large, old casks. And as much as I wanted to love it, wanted to adore it ... the bottle was flawed. Slight heat damage, that oily, rubbery aroma. But, red fruit still there, fine tannins, silky texture. Developing a good sweetness on the palate as well. A good end to the night. 

Our flat in Barcelona has been having a lot of issues. No hot water for 12 days, filthy, poor finishings. But today, that all changed. We had our hot water fixed a few days ago, but today, our cleaning lady came for the first time. Everything's sparkling now, inspiring me to take a mop and glass cleaner to my own room. I can finally walk barefoot, yet another step closer to feeling at home here. Went to IKEA - in my head, a quick trip to pick up some things, which turned into a 5 hour session. But, did buy a lot of things that I'm excited to get using. A knife, peeler, a glass - pillows, shower curtains, and yes, a flower I've decided to name Miss Pink. Things are coming together now, and I've gotten a lot more familiar with Barcelona. Trying to balance between staying at home, going out to meet people, and wandering the city. Tougher than expected, and really, the shit hasn't even hit the fan yet. Visited a wine shop today, Vila Viniteca, considered the best shop in town. And it certainly is impressive. Picked up a few interesting things, including an Equipo Navajos "Florpower" ...

It's been three weeks.

DF

je suis un peu fatigué

What does a man with no financial or personal obligations do, in a bid to change his life, in his late twenties? Move to Spain for two years, apparently. Without a single friend in Europe, without understanding a single word of Spanish, without having any clue as to what lies ahead. Not that there was no second-guessing ... far from it. But in the 21 days that I've been here, already experienced many things. Some that've surprised, some that haven't. 

I've been trying to get out as much as possible. See as many new things, meet as many new people as I can. And Barcelona's great for that. Locals have no qualms about partying well past midnight on a Tuesday. This is the period of street festivals - each neighbourhood has one. This particular one was in Sants. They set up a mini carnival, but what was most amazing to see was the long line of tables for the neighbourhood dinner.

These people are really, really, REALLY serious about their papier-mâché.

And what I'm beginning to enjoy the most about this city is the unexpected little touches of art in every random corner. Feeling exhausted after 8 hours of extensive Spanish classes (6 days a week for the last 2 weeks), but suddenly feeling brighter seeing this cheerful paper flower piece on a street corner.

And of course, seeing Gaudi everywhere you turn. But with all the parties and get-togethers, the drinks and the dinners, I'm feeling fatigued. Reminds me that I'm a textbook introvert. And how fantastic is it that the always inspirational Alfonso Cevola would just write about it (just substitute Italy for Spain). I like being social and meeting people, but I find it incredibly draining. I need alone time, some peace and quiet to recharge. And so last night, at yet another party, I threw in the towel. Nothing personal, nothing at all really - the lounge was becoming claustrophobic and I just needed some time to myself.

So I slipped out and went back to Slow Barcelona for a quiet cocktail. My happy place this is fast becoming. Great atmosphere, fantastic bartenders, wonderful cocktails. And so I stayed for a while, chatted with Gabriel who made my last two drinks, and recharged.

The gin tonic del dia was exceptional, that wonderful transition of flavours that I've never experienced in any other cocktail. Tanqueray No. 10, Aperol, pomelo juice, and Schweppes Premium Heritage. Impeccable balance, beautiful aromas, those lovely citrus notes. Happiness.

Gabriel made me a gimlet that blew my mind - no shaking, clear lime cordial, subtle and wonderfully viscous.

And I ended the night with what else but a martini. Love this place. How come no one sits at the bar anymore? Taking a seat and quietly watching exceptional cocktail making is an indescribable pleasure.

Having gotten home at a (relatively) reasonable hour, I woke up this morning wanting some brunch and a solid American-style latte. Found it.

And found the Chinese grocery store everyone's been talking about. A good day of grocery shopping. And a little touch of home. Maybe I am warming up to this place. Maybe I just need to remember that to be happy, I still have to remain true to myself, to who I am. I is what I is, right. I know I'm an MBA student now and it's all about networking (that fucking word again), but if I have to compromise who I am as a person, this isn't the place for me. I should at least have that freedom, right? Right?!

Some other places this introvert wants to visit in the next few days, including this city's best wine shops and finding those Zalto stems I been eyeing for years ...

DF

Niagara for lunch, one last time

It's tough saying goodbye. To friends and loved ones, to home. So the last week I was in Toronto, we decided to go out to Niagara for the day and enjoy the weather. For my last lunch here in a long, long time, where else but Treadwell Farm to Table Cuisine, newly relocated to Niagara-on-the-Lake. On the patio, sun shining - perfect. We ate, drank, and chatted, starting with a local take on insalata caprese salad - look at those basil chips.

We moved onto Lake Huron whitefish 'fish and chips' ...

... linguine with confit leg of Ontario Heritage Chicken ...

... and just dripping with sexy, the crispy skin North Atlantic mackerel and a poached 'Berta's Bounty' egg.

The wine was good too. The 2011 Megalomaniac Bubblehead Rosé sparkling wine was simply brilliant. Pure and radiant, with lots of energy and structure. A gorgeous wine harmonizing perfectly with the food and atmosphere. We left lunch full and satisfied - a very happy man that day.

DF

the sweet with the sweet

2005 Château Suau | AC Sauternes | Deuxième Grand Cru Classé
1997 Château Suduiraut | AC Sauternes | Premier Grand Cru Classé
1988 Château Lamothe Guignard | AC Sauternes | Deuxième Grand Cru Classé

And that's sweet. The sweet being the last things of a meal, you know, the thing which you take to bed with, the thing which you remember, most of all.

- Albert Roux, Marco cooks for Albert Roux

Sauternes excites me. How a wine can be so concentrated, so rich, so very much grand - yet remain complex, pure, and elegant. Extravagance and flair, grace and precision. Truly a great wine of the world. And so I was so excited to be opening a trio of wines I've had for a long, long time. Sauternes seems almost like a celebratory wine, a real treat. And for the longest time, I felt like I had nothing to celebrate. You know what ... I'm not good with being happy, with being satisfied with things. Almost feels wrong (and a bit naughty) to feel good about how things are. But a few days before I left Toronto, we cooked up some seafood, got some roast duck, and iced the bottles.

Sauternes belongs on the dinner table. Period. The interplay between sweet and savoury mirrors that of Chinese cuisine exactly, and instead of fighting for attention (as most people assume), all those flavours and aromas come together in a wonderful warm embrace. Acidity plays a huge role in this harmony, as always. And with age and maturity, the youthful exuberance of Sauternes turns into something entirely different - drier, more elegant, more textural, more mineral.

Sauternes in half bottles are reputed to age faster, but of course, every bottle is different. I've had these bottles for quite a few years now, and I was thrilled to find them in beautiful condition. The Suau, a more humble producer, showing all the richness and brightness of the grand 2005 vintage. Bursting with rich tropical fruit, those botrytis apricot aromas. The Suduiraut was the star of the evening. This 1997 was so mineral, so complex - clearly a regal wine. Lithe yet supple in texture on the palate, developing a great creaminess and length. And ending with a bottle I picked up in April when I visited New York's famous Chambers Street Wines, the '88 Lamothe Guignard's cork crumbled as I drew it with a screwpull, but the wine was gorgeous. Mature aromas reminiscent of wood furniture, dates, and nuts. Minerality still present, but does altogether seem to be getting a little tired. Good amounts of sweetness on the palate, a soft kiss and whisper on the finish.

Truly a great evening. Roast duck from my favourite Chinese deli, sea cucumber in chicken broth - a little bit of happiness that puts a smile on my face whenever I'm a bit homesick.

DF