2006 Clos La Coutale - I like Malbec and so when I saw this at Costco for the princely sum of 12.99 I had to pick it up. Since it was a Kermit Lynch import I thought it had to be at least drinkable. Well, it was more than drinkable. This blend of 80% Malbec and 20% Merlot gave off heady aromas dark berries and spices. Pretty much the same flavor wise, with some earthy overtones. Nicely balanced wine both with and without food. 12.5% abv. Note to self - go to Costco, buy more.
2005 Chauvenet-Chopin "Charmottes" - I don't buy much Burgundy because the lower prices are such a crap shoot (you get a lot of crap). But I often browse the section at wine shops, checking prices and looking for something affordable that might drink ok. I saw Nuit-Saint-Georges on the label so I picked up the bottle to find a red sticker, reducing the price to $40 from $75. OK, I'll take a chance. I'm glad I did, but I wish I hadn't. Glad because this was a nice bottle wine. Not glad, because I want to buy some more, some to drink now and some to put away. The problem is, this was the last bottle at the shop and even if I can find some more 05 elsewhere, it won't be $40! I shared this with my daughter and some of her friends who were here when I opened it and everyone except the one non-wine drinker loved it. Pretty nice when youngsters in their early 20s appreciate a wine like this. Not overly fruity, nicely integrated tannins, tart and juicy, this would be great with grilled salmon. I'm finishing up the last ounce now savoring it to the last drop.
