More recents from the COVID journey...
Jean-Claude Bessin, Chablis, 'Valmur', 2011
13% A stony and smokey nose, which comes through on the palate, but not very concentrated. There is bright lemony-white grapefruit with an herbal touch, like chervil. Stones and smoke stay through on the finish. Good. A-
Frank Cornelissen, IGT Terre Siciliane Rosso, Munjebel VA', 2013
A wine should not advertise "VA" on it's label, I don't care who you are (and yes, I realize this is the 'Vigne Alte' cuvee). Pomegranate and high-toned spice on the nose, with pomegranate and lilac in the mouth. This is lithe and light, slightly high-toned, blueberry skin tannins. Weird plastic/rubber stopper. Not sure I'd want to age these long. 14% A-
Pascal Cotat, Sancerre, 'Les Monts Damnes', 2012
Limestone and lemons, quite acidic, feel like I opened this too early. A light wash of sorrel and crushed limestone dust and field mint complete the picture. Could use a little more body, but this wine is all about lightness of being. A-
Roberto Conterno, Barbera d'Alba, 'Cascina Francia', 2008
Quite viscous, nearly like a bowl of glycerin, and about as black as the day is night. Has a deep perfumed cherry and plum extract, and something woody...earthy, like fresh cut cherry wood or acacia. Sour cherries residing in a liquid mask with a slight amaro finish of something like dandelion root, gentian, or wormwood. Lots of umami here and you feel the rich texture despite the clarity of the wine. Still a youthful wine, large and very fresh. Wish I had another one of these to follow up on, but...alas. A
Clos Rougeard, Samur Champigny, 2005
12.5% Tobacco, old book leather, and Peter Herring liqueur on the nose & palate, with some still slight tannin holding at the end. This is mostly about balance, nothing overwrought, and drinks like those comfortable leather loafers you never seem to part with. This drinks better out of the gate at room temperature. Once chilled slightly or opened in the glass, it becomes less charming and more austere. Hmmm... about at 89-91, depending on when you caught it.
Le Piane, Boca, 2008
Man, this is burly. Should just bury it and let it slumber. Nothing beyond strong tannins buffeted by black cherry, menthol, tree roots, licorice, and hawthorn fruit. B+, but basing on potential. Maybe only a B for now.
Secret de Grand Bateau, Bordeaux blanc, 2010
Forgot what I paid for this, but it wasn't all that much, maybe around $13? For a 100% sauvignon blanc from Bordeaux (advertised as First Growth grapes) at 10 years to be drinking like this is, well, a steal. Still quite youthful in appearance and feel, but the new barrels are now vanillin and there is some lanolin and a lemony-grassy flavors. The second day it becomes a bit more bitey, with more gooseberry turning up. 14.5% Still... A-/B+