2002 Luneau-Papin, Muscadet Clos des Allées:
Has become a richer, fuller wine since release yet still has plenty of cut. Very good and quite refreshing. Enjoyed at a friend’s house; he was taken with the wine and wrote down the particulars – this wine can ‘convert’ those who have it. About $7 on sale; I’d pay that and more, again.
2002 Leitz, Riesling Spätlese Rüdesheimer Berg Kaisersteinfel:
A very dry, mineral driven Spätlese with considerable depth and complexity. Certainly, too young to fully assess, but already a wonderful wine with what appears to be a long shelf-life. About $25; I’d pay that again if I could find the wine.
2002 Jacky Janodet, Chénas:
Texture of linen, spiced aromatics that carry to the youthful, bright, red fruit nose. A lightweight but not a weakling with good structure and a long, detailed finish. About $13; I’d pay that again.
2004 de Villaine, Bourgogne La Fortune:
The Beaujolais of Bourgogne (weight-wise) but with fuller flavors and a silken mouth-feel. Very easy to enjoy often. About $19; I’d pay that again.
2003 Paul Lato, Syrah Bien Nacido Vnyd.:
From the Santa Maria Valley, carries 15.1% alcohol; smells and tastes like fully ripe Crozes-Hermitage, no evident oak or heat, broad in the mouth but still bright and clean and a lovely, satin finish. A delicious wine and definitely not in the ‘cocktail’ style but with this much alcohol, I would not cellar it. Price unknown; thanks Chris.
Best, Jim