2005 Coudert Fleurie Clos de la Roilette (France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Fleurie) 6/15/07
Paulo and I were talking about what we like for daily drinkers in another thread, and the topic of Beaujolais came up. He added a link to the Wine Library guy discussing Beaujolais, and coincidentally Gary had this wine in his line up. I try to buy some of this every year, and find the wine ages well. It is officially a Fleurie, but Joe Dressner, who imports this wine, has commented that the parcel of land where the grapes are grown have a streak of manganese in the soil, and the wine has more in common with Moulin a Vent than Fleurie.
Empty nose for the first hour, then opens to show sweet cherry and cake dough. The palate is backward and closed though. Back goes the cork and overnight the wine is much more open, and my initial impression of sweet fruit is gone with something more complex now. There is red cherry and a little sour cranberry, and now hints of black pepper and herbs show up as the wine opens. Still a little austere in the mouth, with typical 2005 tannins but they are very fine grained and not at all rustic. Also good acidity and lift. Very good and enjoyable now, but I think has even more to give in a few years. About $17.
2002 Selbach-Oster Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett (Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer, Mosel) 6/13/07
Maybe a little closed. Gentle Riesling flavors, pleasant and a little diffuse. Nice with a medium spicy shrimp and veggie stir fry with a Thai peanut sauce. Nothing out of place, but no great excitement either. $11 a few years ago.
N.V. Jose Dhondt Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut (France, Champagne, Oger, Champagne) 5/11/07
Lots of frothy foam on opening that settles in to a steady stream of tiny bubbles. First whiff is bready, but the flavor is mostly citrus. This was very enjoyable. Clean clear flavors, energetic, crisp and well balanced champagne without a lot of complexity, but no off notes. I would buy this again. About $35.
2005 Clos Roche Blanche Touraine Cabernet (France, Loire Valley, Touraine) 5/23/07
Another wine I like to try every year, as it is available locally, and very well priced under $15 still. This was a very good bottle that improved overnight. A little shy the first night, but opens a lot on day 2 with well defined mulberry fruit and violet aromas. Well structured with good acidity and balance, and abundant ripe tannins with a finish that is a little drying. I didn't notice any green flavors. Certainly should improve with aging. This year it is closed with synthetic normacork, though. A great bargain for $14.