2009 Dorado, Alvarinho:
13% alcohol from the Vinho Verde DOC in Portugal; despite its origin, nothing spritzy or innocuous about this wine; clean scents of spice and white fruit with genuine character; moderately rich and spicy in the mouth, good cut and concentration, some complexity and considerable length. With a cold tune and white bean salad abut as perfect a combo as can be imagined. About $25.
2007 Chamonard, Morgon:
12.5% alcohol; tending to brown at the rim; slightly off on both the nose and palate with a bit of attenuation – nonetheless, a wine of character and interest, just a little short of what it should be. Slight spritz. Good with a risotto with beets, kale and chicken.
2010 Bevan Cellars, Sauvignon Blanc Kick Ranch:
12.9% alcohol; powerful aromas of guava, citrus, herbs and stone; much the same on the palate with vivid acidity and good length. Along side a Caesar salad with grilled chicken and Acme bread, very fine. By itself, still interesting and delicious. ‘Has gotten better with about 6 months in bottle.
2002 Clos de la Roilette, Fleurie Cuvée Tardive:
Somewhat closed upon opening and not very much of its place but over the course of about three hours, it found its fruit, evolved into a Fleurie and lengthened. I assume that continuing to age this bottling will work but, with sufficient time in the decanter, it’s lovely now. With chicken tostadas, very good, indeed.
2009 Vaughn Duffy, Pinot Noir Suacci Vnyd.:
13.3% alcohol and the first vintage from this producer, Suacci Vnyd. is in the Sonoma Coast AVA; smells of sour cherries, cranberries and spice; tastes like a barrel sample with flavors that follow the nose, crisp acidity, a silken texture but not quite knit together yet; everything is in place but this needs a year in the cellar. Maybe the best thing about it is its sense of lightness on the palate; nothing over-extracted or over-done. Lovely wine with grilled salmon and smashed potatoes.
Best, Jim