2011 A Donkey and A Goat Grenache Rosé “Isabel’s Cuvée” Mendocino
100% Grenache Gris. Medium-bodied, somewhat spritzy, well balanced, moderately crisp, with a softer texture on the midpalate reminiscent of the better Bandol rosés. Shows notes of melons, peaches, and spices, with a zingy mineral edge. Very good.
2010 Schloß Lieser Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett Erste Lage
Mineral/somewhat floral/citrus nose. Medium-bodied, crisp, quite elegant, nicely balanced, with good underlying acidity. Nicely mineral, with orange, lime, and raspberry notes. Excellent.
2010 Tablas Creek Vineyard Patelin de Tablas Blanc Paso Robles
50% Grenache Blanc, 33% Viognier, 10% Roussanne, and 7% Marsanne, from purchased, rather than estate-grown fruit. Floral/apricot/lightly mineral nose. Full-bodied, well balanced, with moderate acidity; somewhat oily, with white peach, citrus, and tropical fruit, and honeysuckle notes. Both the Grenache Blanc and the Viognier are noticeable here. Very good.
2009 Cantine Antonio Caggiano Fiano d’Avellino DOCG “Béchar”
Nose of honey, cedar, spices, wildflowers, and hay. Full-bodied, rather oaky, softer, somewhat oily. well balanced, with moderate acidity. Tastes of pineapple, apples, hazelnuts, cloves, ginger, and stones. Complex, with big aromatics. Although I didn’t care for it at first, I have to admit that the new oak grew on me here. Very good.
2009 Domaine Ramonet Bourgogne Aligoté
Fuller-bodied, very mineral, bone dry, fleshy, with mostly white fruit notes. Well balanced, with moderate structure/acidity. Very good.