2005 Luneau-Papin, Muscadet Clos des Allees:
Reminds me of cold spring water but with more texture and depth - about as refreshing and charming as wine can be. This is developing very nicely in the cellar and has a long life ahead of it. We had it with a fig and arugala salad which it complimented nicely. Diane also thought it perfect with fresh, seared halibut.
2007 Edmunds St. John, Gamay Porphyry:
Still quite firm and monotone on the nose but this has opened nicely on the palate; fresh cherries, smoky stones and a touch of baked earth; intense and concentrated, perfect balance and good length. The underlying mineral tones is evident and the wine seems centered around it. I would guess this needs many years to get to peak but matched nicely with grilled pork chop, Romano beans and roasted potatoes.
2007 Vintage Vielh de Lapeyre, Jurancon Sec:
Gros and Petite Manseng make-up this white from the mountains of southwestern France. Golden color; smells of very ripe, Golden Delicious apples and light honey; tastes like it smells with hints of sarsaparilla and a fairly viscous delivery with good length. The acidity here keeps this from cloying and the flavors are etched and clear. I’m guessing lobster bisque would be a perfect foil but this was yummy with grilled chicken and Caesar salad. Thanks Brad.
2008 Bevan Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon Showket Vnyd./David’s Cuvee:
For those who enjoy the California cult style cab., this is the holy grail. Although not my style of wine, I found it irresistible. It is massive yet light on its feet, sweet but not cloying, fruit driven but with good structure, soft and round but with ample acidity and the tannins are sweet and about the consistency of dust. 14.3% alcohol.
I rant about wines with such characteristics - but this is the exception to the rule - amazing and absolutely delicious. How all those pieces come together to make something so yummy is beyond me - and nobody making cab. in CA (not Harlan, Screagle, Colgin, Scarecrow, etc.) is doing a better job. Wow!
2003 Von Othegraven, Kanzemer Altenberg Erste Lage Riesling Auslese Auction:
Many years ago, I was in love with a young woman and we took a hike in the Smokey Mountains. It was a cool, clear day but the sun warmed the skin. At the top of a mountain, we came upon a huge field of wild flowers. Being alone, we made love in that field. The smells of flowers and warm flesh, the freshness of the air, the cool of the day and the warmth of the sun; the way it all felt - this wine brought it back to me.
Oh my!
Best, Jim
