Some wines over the weekend.
2007 Morgante Nero d’Avola, Sicilia
Dark ruby/violet, CdP-like in color. Whiff of sulfur, spice, dried flowers. High acidity coming from layers of red fruit, compact, nothing fancy but provided good palate-prepping ability for each of my next bite of a grilled Panini with fresh mozzarella, chicken cutlet and pesto. Slight flowery-taste. A well-spent 14 bucks. B+
2005 Dom. Quenard Vin de Savoie, Chignin
Glistening light gold. Started with subdued nose, then became woody. Light-bodied, dry, refreshing lime notes, although I think this bottle may be slightly past its prime with some oxidative character. B
2001 Ramires de la Piscina Reserva, Rioja
Dark ruby with purple tint. Lacks concentration, un-exciting, un-interesting, really boring stuff. I love Rioja, but this one didn’t happen for me. B-
And 2 from the stable of Ch. Ducru Beaucaillou in Saint-Julien:
1998 Ch. Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien
Very nice aroma of wood, leather, and that classic Left Bank smell. Quite ripe, displayed prominent cabernet component, and with further aeration developed creamy/milky notes and, somehow, and I never thought that I’d say this about this prominent second growth from Saint-Julien, but this is one DB that had me sensing international or New Worldish style. Perhaps, I expected a lot more. B
1996 Ch. Lalande-Borie, Saint-Julien
An excellent QPR. I have had this twice over the last 3 months and they all performed beyond any expectation that I had. Pure, nicely balanced, showed some elegance and plenty of Left Bank character. Medium bodied. Even went well with some cassoulet at La Sirene. A-
Ramon