Out of town notes

2005 Vincet Dauvissat, Chablis La Forest:
Correct and pleasant but uninspiring at this stage of its life.

2008 Bedrock, Pinot Noir Rebecca’s Vnyd.:
Recently bottled but still very flavorful and integrated with a satin texture, good intensity and length. Several months in bottle should make this come alive.

N/V Avanguardia, Amatore:
12.5% from the Sierra Foothills and made of Corvina, Gamay, Negrana and Rondinella; smells a little like Valpolicella but with more depth of fruit; nicely balanced and complex in the mouth, pleasant flavors with berries, earth tones and good length. Not completely integrated but something I couldn’t stop going back to. Thanks Steve.

N/V Breton, Vouvray Brut:
Like a breath of cool air; considerable bead, light weight and charming flavors of chenin with a nice mineral hint; balanced and clean. Beautiful starter and nice with figs, manchego and arugala salad.

2005 Edmunds St. John, Syrah Bassetti Vnyd.:
Pure and clean on the nose with varietal character and nice nuance; compact in the mouth but full of flavor and concentration, intense, balanced, some complexity starting to show and a fine grained texture; good length. A bottle that is starting to come out of its shell; decant before service or enjoy after cellaring further.

2001 Guigal, Côte-Rôtie Château d’Ampuis:
Closed at first and showing a touch of new oak (especially on the finish); after airing, opening to a richer mouth-feel and lovely, integrated aromatics. Not a big wine but quite complex and balanced with a silky texture and good sustain. Clearly of its place and a fine wine with food.

Best, Jim

Either the oak on the Guigal has integrated nicely or you are spending too much time with Russell. neener

Thanks as always for the notes.

BTW, I gave Russell your best the other day. Hopefully, he’ll pay attention to his e-mail.
Best, Jim