A small sampling of wines tasted over the last several weeks:
2009 Ryme, Robolla Gialla:
13.1% alcohol; this was fermented on its skins until dry; deep golden color; smells of resin, fruit and herbs; has weight and tannin such that the texture is very similar to a red wine, good complexity, fine balance. Obviously tannic when tasted by itself but with a pasta dish that had chicken, caramelized onions and fried kale, it was simply fabulous.
A new producer located in the same facility as Arnot-Roberts and Wind Gap; definitely one to watch for.
1999 Hirtzberger, Riesling Singerriedel:
The best showing for this wine in my memory; no bottle bouquet or evident aging but an integration, balance and complexity that are unforgettable; pure, fresh and flavors that remind me of the a graphic I once saw for time release aspirin – all these little bubbles continuously exploding; an immense finish. With pork roast with apple stuffing; sublime.
1990 Chateau Leoville Poyferre:
Also served with the pork roast noted above, this was not as good a match but was utterly charming. Bordeaux on the nose and palate, clean, precise, less dimensional than the Singerriedel but so perfectly seamless and of its place as to call one back to the glass. An archetype of a wine.
2005 Etude, Cabernet Sauvignon:
No question its CA cabernet with a purity that makes me think of blue fruit; no wood showing, slight sweetness but not from RS, smooth and texturally like satin and quite long. An entirely different animal than the Leoville but beautiful in its own right.
2009 Rochioli, Pinot Noir Estate:
Gentle oak on a somewhat sweet nose; similar in the mouth but the flavors are true and the texture is silky. Simple but tasty.
1995 Havens, Bourriquot:
A touch of bottle bouquet and some of evidence of age on the palate this seem listless and somewhat raw; very full-flavored, tannic and a big bruiser of a wine. Not something I want more than a glass of, even with food.
Best, Jim
