2017 Walter Scott Cuvee Anne:
First time with one of their higher end bottlings and the difference showed, though I think their basic chardonnay may be the best deal out there for this variety. Notable material here, real density to the wine, with rounded golden fruits, almost slightly honeyed, yet still nice cut in the finish, with a lick of matchstick. Definitely one to hold, though not at all a problem drinking now. (Wine was just followed in the glass, no previous air.)
2005 Clape Cornas
When the cork was pulled on this, it had a surprisingly powerful and ethereal nose–so I did not decant. Floral, almost violet, with swirling scents of blue fruits; on the palate it showed the same, with a touch of game in the mid-palate and piquant notes in the longish finish still under development. I’ll open my next one in another five years.