At Susan’s yesterday afternoon, we started with a 2008 Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand - Lively and full of citrus zest with very little grapefruit notes, one of the better Marlborough SBs I’ve had (I’m not generally a fan). Then we had a pleasant Galician wine, the 2007 Viña Godeval (made from 100% Godello) - it wasn’t as crisp as an albariño, but it was fruity and enjoyable. Next was a Charles and Charles Rosé, a collaboration of two winemakers, Charles Smith and Charles Bieler. It was 100% Syrah from Columbia Valley in Washington State - dark rose in color, very rich fruit, and a delight to drink.
To start the reds we had a 2007 Morande Pinot Noir Reserve from Chile - light, but better flavors than a lot of Chilean Pinots. Next was a 2007 Fontanafredda Barbera ‘Briccotondo’ - a very fruity, tasty Barbera. Last was a 2007 JL Chave Côtes du Rhône ‘Mon Coeur’ - with rich dark fruit and quite enjoyable. I hadn’t had this CdR since the mid-90s, when I had a case each of a couple vintages.