Rivata Barbaresco 2001
Clear, medium-dark ruby with a black cast and some bricking at the rim. Dried red fruit, flowers, and watermelon, with hints of spice and camphor. On day two, much more forward perfume of rose, strawberry, and raspberry. Medium-bodied, with dried cherry and crushed strawberry flavors in a structure dominated by refreshing acidity and modest tannins. Vapory finish. For $13, I had low expectations that were easily exceeded. I’ve picked up a couple more bottles to double-check. 13.5% alcohol.
Louis Chavy Bourgogne 2005
Clear, medium red with violet tints. Clean scent of red berries, a nice streak of mineral and earth, and whiffs of rhubarb and tomato. Promises more on the nose than the light-bodied palate delivers: understated red fruit, some delicate fresh cherry, with decent acidity and very mild tannins. Respectable $13 Burg that hits the spot with cedar-planked salmon. 12.5% alcohol.