WTN: Quick tastes

Brief impressions from a tasting:

2005 de Villaine, Aligote Bouzeron:
Tremendous aromatics but the palate has a perm solution note that I find typical of the variety and unappealing. I suspect that people who enjoy the variety will find this exceptional. About $15.

2005 Bruno Colin, Bourgogne Chardonnay:
Just a whisper too much oak for me but most people will find this terrific quality for the price. Sensational balance. About $19.

2006 Dom. Fonsiante, Corbieres Gris de Gris:
A very fine, very dry rosé with excellent fruit and precision. About $11.

2005 Bruno Colin, Bourgogne Pinot Noir:
Citrus and cranberry on the nose and palate with some grip. Not my style of Burgundy but not even close to being new world-ish. About $19.

2005 Frederic Mablieau, St. Nicolas de Bourgueil:
Holy mother of sweet Jesus in the morning! – this is a single taste and I never put much stock in them but this is rockin’ good; complex, full, dense, integrated and grippy – so I bought a bottle and will have it with food later this week and report back. About $13.

2005 Tikalo, Albaliza:
About 65% tempranillo and 35% grenache; balanced, solid wine that is a little confected but not so much as to be offensive. About $7.

2004 Clarendon Hills, Grenache Hickinbotham:
Not terrible but definitely “cocktail” wine and a bit sugary for this taster. Not my style. About $50.

Best, Jim

Thanks for the tip on the St Nicolas de Bourgueil. Is the wine maker's name spelled Mabileau? Did you catch the importer? I will keep an eye out for this one.

Curious, what is it about the style of the Bruno Colin Bourgogne pinot noir you don't like? Too much oak?

The gris de gris pink was very good last year, look forward to trying the 2006.

Thanks again for the notes.
Marc

Thanks for the tip on the St Nicolas de Bourgueil. Is the wine maker's name spelled Mabileau? Did you catch the importer?

Yes it is Mabileau. Jon-David Headrick Selections is one importer, don't know if there are others.

I haven't had much from F Mabileau myself, but what I did taste was promising.

Thanks for the tip on the St Nicolas de Bourgueil. Is the wine maker's name spelled Mabileau? Did you catch the importer? I will keep an eye out for this one.

Curious, what is it about the style of the Bruno Colin Bourgogne pinot noir you don't like? Too much oak?

Marc,
Rahsaan got the importer.
The Colin style was almost all treble and I like a little bass - if that is of any assitance. Nonethelss, its good wine and reasonably priced.
Best, Jim