1995 Domaine de Beaucastel CdP
Cloudy garnet, brown rim. Damp earth, funky basement, black olive, dark cherry aromas and flavors, with a prominent volatile/shellac component. After a few hours the volatile component disappeared and the wine became drier with more velvety tannins, leather and licorice notes emerging. More interesting than beautiful to drink.
2005 Betz Syrah La Serenne
Dark berry fruits, smooth tannins, coffee, caramel notes, nice.
2010 AntHill Farm Comptche Ridge Pinot Noir
Tart cherry, cranberry, floral nose, earthy, delicate, very good.
This and the Betz were PnP at a BBQ, would have liked to spend more time with them.
2001 Dopff & Irion Riesling Schoenenbourg
Deep gold color, floral/herbal nose with Iris and anise notes. Quince and golden raisin flavors with strong acidity and a long finish. Not bone dry, but relatively lower residual sugar. Very good.
2002 Marcel Deiss Schoenenbourg (assemblage)
Orange tinted gold color. Very floral nose with a slight, pleasing astringency balancing a more honeyed, grapey element. Medium /lower acidity, predominant apricot-stone fruit compote flavor with some earth and white pepper notes, spiciness leaning toward cinnamon or Moroccan spice mix. Fun to taste!
2007 Gerard Boulay Sancerre Clos de Beaujeu
Very pale, light green tint. Aromas of gooseberry, finely crushed rock, vegetable stalk with a faint sweetness - more rhubarb than celery? These are repeated on the palate with gentle astringency and a very long, mineral finish. Oozes class. I should have backed up the truck on this at the sale price several years ago.