2010 ArborBrook Vineyards Heritage Cuvee Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR. Synthetic cork. $21.99 in Raleigh store. 14.5% alcohol by volume. Viscous texture. Purple-red color with semi-transparency. Perhaps not as cherry-flavored as the 2009 vintage which I tasted at a Raleigh restaurant but still shows some dark cherry and plum on the nose and tastebuds. Juicy with hint of the Oregon pine needle element. Uncomplicated but worth considering for a relatively inexpensive expression of Oregon Pinot.
2003 Pascal Cotat La Grande Cote (Sauvignon Blanc), Sancerre, Loire, France. Imported by Vintner Select, Mason, Ohio. 13.5% abv Medium gold color with transparency. Doesn't seem to be distorted by the extremely warm vintage in Europe. Some quince and citrus. Tingly sensation on the finish. Some oak storage? I had to remind myself that I was drinking Sauvignon Blanc, not Chardonnay. Second day brought a hint of sherry (oxidation?) or apple cider but the wine remained quite enjoyable. Quite rich tasting without being flabby.