WTN: Ogier La Rosine and 2 Austrians

Betsy made a simplified bouillabaisse (recipe from Ina Garten) Saturday, she used a cup of the 2003 Pfaffl Grüner Veltliner (Weinviertel) in the dish. We had as an apertif. Not as fat/flat as some 2003s, decent if not lively acidity, light white pepper aromas, maybe a little light in the fruit. Nothing to search for, but as this was $5 at Zachys I was satisfied. B-

I wanted a more serious white with dinner, and opened the 2002 Erwin Sabathi "Mervielleux" Sauvignon Blanc (Styria). Big style of SB, very full and fruit but with a serious core. Some toasty oak, but mostly about the pear and melon fruit. A little hint of flowers. Reminds me of a mid-level white Bordeaux. Pretty good, B+/B and probably will continue to age well, but a not wise choice as a match.

Sunday was a lamb tagine with apricots and olives, over couscous with buttered almonds; cabbage with bacon and Oregonzola (gorgonzola style cheese from guess where) & braised leeks on the side. Delicious, though we agreed next time lighter sides. Wine was the 2002 Ogier "La Rosine" (Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes ). I have mostly steered clear of 2002 Rhones, but a positive note from Florida Jim made me take a chance on this (and fact it was $12). First bottle- corked! Ack! I went and got my second , put it in a warm bath (other had been upstairs for whole day to acclimate). Lighter Syrah, dark berry fruit with some meaty/bacony aromas and a light floral element. Good acidity, nice finish. Funnily, as it got time in the glass it seemed to get simpler, with a redder fruit profile. Still, a very good wine at the price, though I didn't like as much as the 2001 version. B/B+

Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.

The other '02 I have had that I liked was the Allemand, Cornas. He blended the Reynard and Chaillot fruit and got a fine, reasonably priced ($35) Cornas, for earlier consumption - and for those of us that aren't buying green bananas, that's a plus.
Best, Jim

Thanks for tip Jim, but looks like that reasonable $35 Cornas is now $65. A bit rich for me.

I think the N. Rhone 02's will never be great, but many are quite good for drinking now or soon and can be had for great prices. I found some Jean-Michel Stephan Cote Rotie for about $25 and it is more than competent Cote Rotie. That said, with 01 Edmunds St. John "Wylie Fennaughty" at $16 at Chambers these days , its hard to buy any other Syrah until that's gone.....