2012 Scribe, Skin-fermented Chardonnay (500ml):
12.5% abv; smells and tastes of chardonnay but more so. Many skin-fermented whites bear little resemblance to their varietal roots, this isn’t one of them. No noticeable tannin but a savory palate with earth tones mixed into chardonnay fruit. An interesting diversion.
2007 Salinia, Pinot Noir W.E. Bottoms Vnyd.:
14.2% abv; opened the previous night when I did not taste it, it’s now clearly pinot but more of the earth, dry and savory than almost any others I have had. There is something untamed here and bordering on unique. I did not have a large taste but I want more.
1998 Dom. J. Chamonard, Morgon Le Clos de Lys:
12.5% abv; another appetizing wine with good balance, clear gamay fruit but a lot of secondary elements in the earth/spice range. It’s thinner than expected but still elegantly intense. Fifteen year old Beaujolais, showing well.
2012 Idlewild, Cortese Fox Hill Vnyd.:
13.4% abv; smells of earth, orange peel and almond; is bright and lively but has depth, grip and texture with etched flavors and a mouthwatering finish. Half skin-fermented and half direct press makes for a complex expression of the grape which is more character driven than any Cortese I have had from Italy. Should be served very close to room temperature. Quite impressive. $30 retail and worth it.
1994 Laurel Glen, Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Mtn.:
12.5% abv; ethereal nose that has an herbaceous note but it is only one of many; tannic and somewhat drying in the mouth but when cheese accompanies, all is well; wonderfully complex, earthy, some wildness here and a good finish. I think this is at peak (or at least one of them) and the initial aroma was so compelling, that opening a bottle for just that reason is reason enough. Cabernet done right.
Best, Jim