2007 Delas, Côtes-du-Rhône Saint-Esprit:
A big, goofy sheepdog of a wine; very ripe, a bit sloppy and all over the lot. Pairing it is going to be a chore (unless bar-b-q sauce is involved) but slugging it back should be fine. Cocktails, anyone?
2007 Perrin, Côtes-du-Rhône Réserve:
Quite dry and salty without much flesh or pleasure. I’ll try it again tonight to see if time helps.
Day two: just as joyless and a touch sour; nothing here for me.
2005 Inman Family, Pinot Noir OGV:
Light, lacy, feminine wine with subtle pinot flavors, good complexity and a remarkably long finish. Superb today and no reason to wait. Perfect with Diane’s mushroom and chicken “ragout.”
2007 Ceretto, Arneis Blange:
With Giacosa’s arneis now at double saw-buck prices, this is a powerful yet intricate version that does not take a back seat to any other bottling of the variety. $12, and more than worth it.
1999 Juge, Cornas Cuvée SC:
Elegant, savory and just a touch aldehydic; complexity without over-bearing tannins and an emphasis on elements other than fruit (although the fruit is part of the mix). Aged Cornas in the Burgundy mold. If I didn’t trust the producer, I’d say this should be drunk soon – but I do, so I’ll hold the few bottles I have.
2008 Jadot, Beaujolais-Villages:
Over-extractive but not unpleasant; not much freshness nor carbonic appeal; sort of ho hum. Where’s the fruit?
2007 Duboeuf, Morgon Jean Descombes:
Tastes and smells like someone took pretty good generic gamay and tossed in a cup of cheap ladies perfume. There is little point to this wine and I will give the rest of the bottle away.
2008 Maipe, Malbec:
Reticent aromatics but a well balanced, slightly rustic malbec without flaw, contrivance or individual character. No objections but no second purchase.
Best, Jim