2024 Zenato Lugana San Benedetto Turbiana
More volupuous than previous vintages I've had, more like a chardonnay wannabe, but I still like it.
2022 Ca' del Baio Langhe Chardonnay Luna d'agosto Langhe DOC
This has firmed up nicely since my last bottle two years ago. Bright and citrussy, it had just the right acidity and fruit to pair with a Thai-flavored chicken and rice dish I'd normally have chosen riesling for (my dinner guest chose this instead).
2022 Langmeil Shiraz The Long Mile Barossa Valley
The heat of the Barossa Valley produces hot, ripe wines of a type I don't like, but this bottle, tasted the first time a week ago and again last night, was neither. Blended with 12% Cab Sauv, it had mixed red and black fruits with round, warm red earth flavors and a comforting finish. No oxidation whatsoever, too, suggesting longevity. Pretty impressive for a $13 wine sold by Trader Joe's.
2010 Château d'Arsac Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend
Not especially compelling, but ideal for current drinking with a decent Bordeaux vibe and resolved tannins. No decanting needed.
2021 Storypoint Vineyards Pinot Noir Sonoma County
This appears to be a side hustle from the winemaker at Sonoma Cutrer. Heavy, saturated flavors that lack pinosity, like what an 60/40 blend of pinot and petite sirah might taste like. A tablespoon of water helped brighten it up, but one shouldn't have to do that. I finished the glass I tampered with and dumped the rest. Gorgeous label, though.
2015 Domaine Blachon St. Joseph Cuvée Hommage Roger Blachon Syrah
Less evolved than a bottle one month ago; I liked the tertiary qualities in the earlier bottle much better.
