2004 Lincourt Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County
I've had the opportunity to taste 3 or 4 offerings from this winery over the last few years and I never have been impressed with any of them. This was not an exception to those experiences. Not hateful by any means, but it was a bit too simple and candied for my palate. Nothing to hold my interest beyond a couple of sips. ~ $22.
1999 BV George de Latour
Just the faintest aromas of musty wet cardboard wafted from the stem. After a brief discussion, it was deemed corked.
2003 Drouhin Chorey-Les Beaune
Ahhh, this is more like it. Fruit is on somewhat on the ripe side but is balanced with grippy/zippy acidity. Forest and earth provide additional interest. Surprisingly it paired nicely with grilled duck breast with blackberry reduction sauce. At $21 this is a bargain-Burgundy worth seeking out for short term consumption.
2004 Thorn Clarke Shotfire Ridge, Barossa Cuvee
Pleasant enough wine that is not quite as over-the-top as many of the OZ wines can be...at least those that find their way to flyover-land. Simple fruit and low tannin. This wine began falling apart after three or four hours and developed a gloppiness. I would hesitate to recommend cellaring this with expectation of improvement. ~20
Hey, one for four ain't all that bad.
Redwinger
Disclaimer: I sell these wines to people