2008 Dom. Chiroulet, Cotes de Gascogne Cuvee Classique:
Merlot, cabernet sauvignon, tannat and cab. franc; the tannat is clearly discernible on the nose and palate but its normal tannic load is softened by the blend, medium weight, juicy, some complexity, concentrated, satiny and lightly drying on the finish. By itself, I thought it interesting, with burgers, stellar. A wine made to be enjoyed with red meat or its equivalent. And enjoyable it was. Thanks Brad.
2006 Drystack Cellars, Sauvignon Blanc Marie’s Block:
Fruit filled, low acid (feeling) and medium bodied SB; no relation to New Zealand types, this is all about the fruit; its luscious and broad in the mouth. Something different but very good.
2005 Luneau-Papin, Muscadet Clos des Allees:
Crisp aromas with white fruit, bleach and sea-shore; much the same in the mouth but with a texture that belies its AOC - round but bright, soft but focused - really, my epitome of Muscadet. Lovely wine with or without food and showing well now.
1997 Mt. Veeder, Cabernet Sauvignon:
Dark fruit, green bell pepper, some spice; thick and rich in the mouth, concentrated, flavors follow the nose, grippy tannins. No real development here but a fair version of mountain cab. Others found it more earthy than I.
2004 Filippo Gallino, Roero Superiore:
Good, rustic nebbiolo; varietal character, nothing overdone, grippy tannins and a good food wine - if you want Barbaresco, pay more - this is just a solid, very drinkable nebbiolo for $18.
2007 D. Ventura, Ribeira Sacra Vina do Burato:
Cesspool nose and not much better on the palate - there may be something redeeming here but I’m not sticking around for it. Awful stuff - DNPIM. Tried twice, same deal.
2005 Puffeney, Arbois Poulsard M:
A nice drink and very much like a good Overnoy poulsard but more abbreviated, rustic and less complex; no finesse here, just a solid delivery of the variety’s individual character. Good, not great for $28.
2009 Schnaitmann, Evoe (Rose):
80/20 pinot and trollonger; some RS here and not to my liking; also a very slight spritz which I could do without the RS but with it makes the wine seems soda-pop-ish. 11% alcohol and about $16 - not my style.
2005 Dom. de l’Ecu, Muscadet Expression de Granite:
Call it power of suggestion but this wine gives the impression of being made in granite; somewhat closed but still ample depth and precision, complex, juicy and very long. A pretty stunning bottle and I suspect, only in its infancy. 12% alcohol.
1999 Lafarge, Volnay Vendages Selectionees:
Dark, tannic and brooding; bone dry, deep but the structure is dominant. I don’t know if the fruit will live as long as the tannins - still, a wine with character and appeal. No doubt its Beaune, some finesse but more like a pinot from Cornas.
Best, Jim