Various wines recently consumed, the first two by the glass at Cookshop on 10th Ave. in NYC and the last from a 375 with a screwcap. Impressions from memory rather than actual notes:
2006 Torrontes, Don David Reserve, Torino, Cafayate, Argentina: Lovely, vibrant wine. Light in color and very fragrant. Combines the exotic spicyness of a Gewurztraminer (grapefruit, roses) with some tropical aromatics and flavors (think east side Seneca Lake riesling). Good length too. I've been fascinated with this grape lately and this has been one of the best - prefer this to the Susan Balbo, which is really good.
2006 Syrah, Domaine Les Bruyeres (Rhone): To be honest, I can't recall the exact designation, might be some sort of Vin d'Pays. A little searching reveals that the producer is mainly known for Crozes-Hermitage, but has some land just outside the appelation - presumably where this wine originates. Very dark and slightly cloudy, this has a somewhat shy nose of iron/blood. Just huge amounts of black olives on the palate, with some dark fruit and meaty notes. There seems to be a touch of volatile acidity and some rowdy tannins too. Started out rather attractive, but seemed to get more volatile and cranky after a half hour in the glass. Interesting, but I don't quite know what to think about this one.
2006 Gewurztraminer, Paul Blanck, Alsace: Very light color, just a touch of gold. Some roses on the nose with a touch of spearmint (!). Rounded, maybe off-dry but very well balanced with ginger, lychee. No bitterness or sharp edges - an almost glycerine smoothness, with decent lenght. Nice gewurz, although nothing really sticks out.