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