Unable to taste much due to a lingering cold, I thought I would post some notes from last week:
2009 Rex Hill Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley:
I've always enjoyed the wines of this producer. Starts out shy and gentle, with a proper light ruby PN color. Gradually morphs into a svelte and polished wine, with light tannins. Primarily red fruited (raspberry) with some attractive light patchouli/incense notes. Good stuff for the basic bottling. Screwcap closure, $24.
1997 Porta dos Cavaleiros, Dao Reserva, Caves Sao Joao:
From an old-school producer in the Bairraida region with extensive bottle aging cellars, who often releases their reserva wines with extended cellar aging. This has a slightly unusual composition for a Dao wine: 40% Jaen (aka Mencia in Spain; when found in a Dao, it is often a bit player), 30% Baga (tannic grape which is usually the basis for Bairrada reds), 15% Bastardo (aka Trousseau, not often found in Dao) and 15% Touriga Nacional (more modern Dao riservas tend to revolve around this). The appearance is slightly hazy ruby with some bricking. Dusty leather, slightly lifted with earthy strawberry/orange and bitter cocoa notes. Tannins very well resolved. Mid weight, with good length, but didn't strike me as very Dao-like; it made me think of old Barbaresco. It is probably at its peak, didn't really improve the next day. Cork label, 12.5 % abv, $16.
2009 Abad Dom Bueno Godello, Bierzo:
Lightly gold with a bronze cast, there is some light vinyl and citrus on the nose. Gravel, lime and green herbs with a slight oily bitterness on the finish. Bracing and dry. Pretty nice. Interesting that the label states that the wine contains no added sulfites beyond the naturally occuring ones. 13% abv, $14.