Spring seems to have passed already and the natural world is gearing into the summer barbie season already. These are wines from the recent past, among cherry blossoms and magnolias and the breaking buds of treelings:
Massolino, Barolo, 2005
Not at all what I thought this would be like. This is full of bright red cherry notes, surprisingly approachable at first, but the veil of tannin falls lightly toward the end. Some oak shows, but not outrageously and in balance. This is a fine medium bodied entry Barolo, and in between well-made modern and an enlightened traditionalist. 13.5% and I believe it. The only nit is that it could have a little more going on within it, but for $30 or so, not bad. B+
Domaine Etxegaraya, Irouleguy, 'cuvee Lehengoa', 2006
Rustic describes this wine well. It went better with fried salami than with Vietnamese-style pork chop. Dark black cherry and plum. Drink with your rustic Italian fare. B/B+
Bouchard, Champagne, 'Inflorescence', blanc de noirs, brut, NV
Very clean and pure nose and palate, fine bead, yeasty chamomile, lemon oil. 12.5% Major yums. A-
Broc Cellars, Vine Starr white, Paso Robles, 2010
Mostly chardonnay, with a couple of oddball varieties (Viognier seems noticeable). Yellow fruited, nice, if a little soft. Thankfully the alcohol is tamed (12.something), an accomplishment for Paso.
Luis Pato, Beiras, 'vinhas velhas', 2001
45-year old baga. An interesting red, smelling of old library books and plummy leaves. Leafy notes, spicy Italian plums, but more savory than overtly fruity, the structure and balance are impressive and is so nice. More wines should have such character. A-
Pepiere, Muscadet, Les Gras Moutons, 2010
Spritely refreshing Muscadet, with a very light touch. Lemon-lime seltzer water with a light calcium finish. Very delicate, and without the stuffing of the Master-crus to age as well as those. A-
Bedrock, 'Ode to Lulu' rose of mourvedre, Sonoma Valley, 2011
Just the lightest touch of color, almost like a pinot gris with extended skin contact (but that would be too dark). Strawberry-watermelon and juniper...very nice. Refreshing. 12.3% A-