2005 Luneau-Papin, Muscadet Clos des Allées:
Like drinking mountain spring water when you are parched; deep, clean, clear, refreshing, expressive and balanced – flavors and aromas to make you think of alpine rivers and a finish that lasts. A tremendous wine, showing well.
2001 Knoll, Grüner Veltliner Vinothekfüllung:
This was my third and last bottle of this wine; the first showed nicely but young; the second was simply one of the greatest wines of my life and I had anticipated this bottle would reinforce that experience – but alas, the closure defeated that – corked in a very mild way and ever so slightly oxidized – such that the whole thing comes off liquor-esque and brassy rather than deep and pure, and the flavors are quite off (curiously, the nose is fine).
I have learned not to be upset by such things but I admit that I had looked forward to this bottle for just Diane and me. Ah well, I will enjoy the memory of bottle number two and, should I ever be able to afford this again, buy it in an instant.
2007 Louis Michel, Chablis Montmain:
13%, under screwcap; clean, crisp, character-driven Chablis with loads of cut and good sustain. It isn’t meant to age but its excellent now. About $25.
1999 Belle Pente, Pinot Noir Wahle Vnyd.:
Smoke and a slight char on the nose with some VA; nice in the mouth with a satin texture, earthy flavors and good intensity; medium finish. 13.8%. Too much VA for me but the texture was really fine.
2000 Gravity Hills, Syrah Killer Climb:
13.9% from Paso Robles; tar, earth and sappy dark fruit on the nose; very concentrated with a sandpaper texture and very powerful flavors of dark fruit and earth with some fresh meat and complex spice notes; big finish with considerable tannin and a wash of mouth-watering acidity. This needs time to come together but it has the concentration of Hermitage, the rusticity of old-school Cornas and the fruit of CA – one of the most intense syrahs I’ve had from the left-coast. About $35.
2005 Edmunds St. John, Syrah Bassetti Vnyd.:
Stands as counter-point to the Gravity Hills noted above – it’s pure, deep, integrated and smooth with a silky texture, fresh fruit and gentle nuance that belie its structure. Much more drinkable and every bit as promising for the cellar. Stylish and still intense – finesse with power.
Really good.
Best, Jim