2005 Dom. Leydier et Fils, Vin de Table du Vaucluse:
This wine is a dead ringer for better Gigondas or Vacqueyras, with a meaty, slightly saline profile, lots of ripe fruits, garirgue and a sort of savage earthiness; moderate depth, excellent complexity and good grip. A very together wine that still delivers a rustic feel; for drinking now or in the short term. Diane loves it – a rare occasion. 13.5% alcohol, imported by Kermit Lynch and about $9; I’ll buy more soon (even if Diane didn’t like it so much).
Odds and ends:
2000 Louis Michel, Les Clos:
Opened two days ago, recorked and put in the fridge; this wine is now the essence of truffle - the scent of truffle oil fills the nose – it tastes like Chablis with a little truffle mixed in but the nose is so captivating, drinking it seems redundant. Remarkable.
2001 Edmunds St. John, Rocks and Gravel:
Open three days, recorked and left on the counter with an occasional glass taken out; after three days it has simplified to forward fruit and a little earthiness. On first opening it was much more complete and complex. But it didn’t oxidize noticeably.
2004 Giacosa, Nebbiolo d’Alba:
When first opened, a pretty tannic wine that still retains very pretty and elegant fruit; after 24 hours recorked and on the counter, the fruit is now fleshy and supple, the grip still youthful, and the finish considerably longer. A young wine with an immense future. 13.5% alcohol, imported by Locascio/Winebow and about $24; stealing at that price.
Best, Jim