- 2005 Joseph Faiveley Bourgogne - France, Burgundy, Bourgogne (12/23/2007)
Had this over 2 nights along with the Rossignol L'Heritier. The Faiveley showed best on the first night. On the nose there was sweet cherry, flowers and a touch of spice. Nice and elegant. Very nice red fruits but somewhat austere. Right at the front you get a burst of fruit but the tannins catch on quick. On the second night (after being poured into a 375, the wine was seemed a little more tight. Pretty nice for $16. (88 pts.) - 2005 Nicolas Rossignol Bourgogne Cuvée L'Héritière - France, Burgundy, Bourgogne (12/23/2007)
Drank next to the 05 Faiveley Bourgogne. Right now this wines is showing some reduction. The aromatics seem reductive and toasty and not very interesting. The palate was a little funky on the first night. Didn't bother me but the wine just seemed clunky. On the second night it was a little more seamless. Darker and toastier fruits compared to the Faiveley. Again a nice wine for $22, but it needs some time. This could be a surprise in a few years. (87 pts.) - 2004 Joseph Swan Vineyards Zinfandel Trenton Station - Lion Ridge - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (12/20/2007)
Not much of a note on this one but we really enjoyed it over two nights. A nice delicate (but not small) zin. My only knock would be a slight bit of heat. But I enjoyed the flavors and aromatics. I went off zin for the most part back when most of them turned to prune juice. It has been fun to go through multiple Swans. I am getting hooked again. (90 pts.) - 2006 Joseph Swan Vineyards Gewürztraminer Saralee's Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (12/19/2007)
A rare Cali Gewurz for me. A very nice surprise. At first I wasn't getting much. Tried a few different glasses ... but ended up with one of my go to white glasses. With a little time the aromatics started to wake up. Really nice. Very tasty fruit mixed with some flowers. It is so nice to have a dry Gewurztraminer that still show such nice fruit. Pineapples and cream. It is far from a fruit bomb and there lots stones and flowers thrown in there too. Long clean dry finish. Balanced acidity, perfect for food but very easy to drink on its own too. (90 pts.)
Peace,
Jason