France, Oregon, Chile, Italy . . .
2007 Dom. Pépière, Muscadet Granite de Clisson:
I do not believe that one can do better in the AOC – and I am certain it is one of the great white wines of the world – at a case price of less than $20/bottle. Steel, Fuji apple, rain-water and lemon cream on the nose; similar in the mouth with amazing concentration and breadth, terrific acids, depth, balance and verve; enormous length. 12% alcohol. This wine is alive!
1999 Thomas, Pinot Noir:
Lightweight, silken, translucent, fruit filed, complex, bright and really, really long. An extraordinarily beautiful wine that carries its place and its pedigree in such a way as to make me wish I had bought a lot more. One of the longest finishes of any pinot and a delight to drink. Diane’s exact quote; “its one of those wines where you wish the bottle held more.” Superb.
2006 Ona, Malbec Anakena:
14.5% on the label (but I’d guess at least a point higher), made by A.F. Iris S.A. Requinoa of Chile (but that’s in the fine print on the back). If you like Bryant Family or Colgin or any of those big assed, frighteningly expansive CA cabs., this is for you. At $18, you can buy cases of this for the price of a single bottle and it’s remarkably similar. A full, milk-shake texture that, while it could be from anywhere, is choked full of broad fruit and chocolate flavors and would make a great substitute for a cocktail. No overt oak (but lots of influence), plenty of ultra-ripe dark fruit, low acid and a mouth-feel that was built out of down comforters. Seriously, if you like the cult cab. style, try this wine. It is a dead ringer and really is made to their spec. Impressive, albeit not for me.
2008 Caleo, Salice Salentino:
13%; mostly negromaro; smells of black fruit and licorice; tastes similar but is just a bit to bitter to be enjoyable on its own – fine with food, but neither Diane or I care for it without. About $8.
Best, Jim