On Monday night with osso buco:
2018 Henschke Pinot Noir Giles Lenswood
Earthy dark red fruit, more savory than sweet with some stemmy green notes and firm acidity. Enjoyable but stylistically underwelming considering expectations based on Henschke's shirazes. And then it had to compete with this:
2016 Maison Evenstad Nuits St. Georges Les Rues de Chaux Pinot Noir
Heady, complex aromas of red fruits and spice. Punches above its classification with Grand Cru-level depth and weight on the palate, yet it's not heavy. Silky tannins lead into a long finish. I sighed with every sip. I knew Domaine Serene had created a sister winery in Burgundy but did not realize they were producing wines of this level. A real eye-opener.
Last night with a very herbaceous roast leg of lamb:
2017 Long Shadows Wineries Chardonnay Dance Horse Heaven Hills
Pale yellow color. With 4.5 years under it's belt this new entry in the Long Shadows (a premium WA winery) lineup is in the peak zone right now--the sappy baby fat's gone and some savory notes like rosemary are mixing it up with the pineapple fruit. Supposedly equal parts new French oak, concrete egg, and a third thing (I'd guess American oak, would explain the rosemary). Distinctive, but to my palate it doesn't taste like $40+.
2001 Château Bellisle Mondotte St. Émilion Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend
Old school Bordeaux a bit more rustic in texture than a bottle six months ago with wads of cocoa on the finish, but it's good nonetheless and a perfect companion for the lamb.