Notes from today's Light Liquid Lunch with Lester at the newish La Grotta Italian restaurant.
Cape Point Sauvignon Blanc 2007 - From South Africa. Very peppery. Strong green pepper element which is rather nice. A little chalky with a bit of an earthy, soil element going on as well. Practically none of the cat's pee or guava/passionfruit which I find typical of Sauvignon Blanc. I suspect this is a love it/hate it wine. I loved it and found it went very well with a mixed seafood platter.
Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron 1999 - Last of the three bottles I bought at Ralph's. This was by far the best one. Lovely, sweet fruit. Graphite and herbs. Loam and cocoa powder. Dry finish. Unlike the others which seemed just past best, this was probably at peak. Not flavorful enough to stand up to the rather rich and creamy mushroom sauce on the beef but still, an excellent drink. Popped and poured.
Chateau Mas Neuf Compostelle 2005 - From Costieres de Nimes in the Southern Rhone. This is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. Quite sweet, particularly after the Bordeaux, but this is well balanced by the acidity which gives the wine a rather juicy aspect. There's still a bit of tannin but nothing that having some food won't fix. This is very friendly and easy. This was double decanted but I have a suspicion I may have preferred it just popped and poured as it seemed to be lacking a bit of complexity. Still, better than the Bordeaux for the Filetto di Manzo with a rich, creamy mushroom sauce.