Broc Cellars Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Started out quite tight and lemony, with some crisp character I quite like. At first, it didn't say "Chardonnay", though! Over time, the wine rounded out quite a bit, and more Chardonnay roundness and cold climate character came out. Was simply amazing with the candied carrots course. Not sure how or why, but it was a wine-food pairing that just worked. Joe said it needed a spicy dish. His wife Donna and I loved it more than Joe.
http://www.madrose.com/france/cotes-du- ... ne-lionnet
Domaine Levet 2007 Cote Rotie.
Black in color...quite impressive! Even after some time in the decanter (not enough!) this started out very, very tight and pretty ferric. Almost ferocious. Still some nice floral notes. Definitely on the red fruit side...quite pretty but also quite tart and lean.
Not necessarily a problem because we were eating a somehwat rich dinner, but...
By the end of the meal, the wine had really opened up nicely, becoming much rounder and more expansive. Softer on the tongue as well. Lovely with the lamb in cream sauce-the high acids in this wine really cut through the creamy milk-based sauce very. very nicely.