1995 Laurel Glen, Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Mountain:
12.5% alcohol; there are many different styles of cabernet but when I think of what the grape would smell and taste like at reasonable alcohol levels, this is it; there’s the compact fruit scents and flavors along with light herbaceous tones, some spice and just a bit of earthiness; all in a restrained but intense profile that makes this a food wine first and a cocktail wine not at all.
It’s still somewhat young although there is some bottle bouquet; well-balanced so the tannins are not sticking out, and, focused. No hurry to open but worth trying now and damn good with pizza.
2009 Jadot, Beaujolais-Villages:
13% alcohol and $10 locally; much as other recent bottles have been; good, solid wine without any indication of carbonic maceration and easy to pair with a variety of foods. This time we had it with vegetable hash and it was perfect. What’s not to like?
2009 Pazo Señorans, Albariño:
12.5% alcohol; representative Albariño on both the nose and palate; probably needs some time; slightly sour on the finish. With a pasta dish that included bok choy, chicken, peanut sauce and grape tomatoes, it was nice accompaniment.
2008 Saintsbury, Pinot Noir Garnet:
13.5% alcohol; when first opened, too sweet; but with a couples hours and a light chill, this became a pleasant, not altogether simple, pinot that made an easy after dinner quaff. Nothing to write home about but not to be dismissed. Screwcap.
1995 Edmunds St. John, Syrah Durell Vnyd.:
14.4% alcohol; my third bottle from the case and the best so far; good, solid aromas of syrah; a bit aldehydic in the mouth but still carries its fruit with some nuance; medium length. I think this case got hot during storage and some of the bottles will be better than others; or such is my hope. A huge amount of sediment in the neck from bottles stored upside down. Good with veggie hash with chicken.
2007 Drouhin, St. Véran:
13% alcohol; perfectly executed chardonnay from the terroir of origin; no oak noticeable, precise balance, excellent depth and a really fine example of the grape. So many more expensive appellations do not pull-off this level of execution. The winemaker got everything this ground could give; or at least, that is the impression. With goat cheese and crackers, lovely.
N/V Marques de Monistrol, Cava Brut Selección Especial:
11.5% alcohol and about $10; energetic bead, bone dry, flavorful and absolutely clean; reminds me of grower Champagne but slightly dryer.
Superb with pizza and pretty tasty without. I buy this by the case.
Best, Jim