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2006 Domaine Richeaume Côtes de Provence Tradition - France, Provence, Côtes de Provence (11/11/2009)
This was different, a 50/50 mix of Grenache and Cab but the Grenache seems to dominate (I would have expected otherwise). Ruby in color, clear and bright. The nose has cherries and raspberries with a bit of spice. On the palate, this has sturdy acidity and at times can overwhlem the fruit but with air it rounds out. It held up to day 2 so that speaks well of its balance I guess. Some complexity, mostly red fruits though. Nice wine and worth checking out. I wouldn’t mind seeing what they did in 07. (88 pts.) -
2007 Valdicava Rosso di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino (11/11/2009)
I have never had this producers pricey Brunello’s so I thought I would take a glimpse this way. Purple in color. The oak dominates the nose. Plenty of jammy cherries, some anise but also cedar and fresh cut oak notes. I am waiting to be told this sees no new oak, but if so, then it either gets stems, or something else… For my tastes, and I usually dirnk Chianti or Vino Nobile, this tastes like a $15 California wine and not really one I want to drink often. On Day 2, it settled down a bit but nothing that said Sangiovese to me. I know others will like this far more than I. I am still curious about the Brunello, but I doubt I would spend the money for it based on this.
Its is not a bad wine, and on Day 2, easy to drink. At about $30 though, not a wine I will be buying again. (86 pts.)
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2006 Kutch Pinot Noir McDougall Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (10/31/2009)
Ruby in color with some purple hues. The nose is very nice; earthy with cherries and cherry cough syrup. The fruit is kind of up front but quite tasty. I think a few more years makes this more harmonious. I liked this wine, but I think I prefer the new style of Jamie’s wine more. Still, I am happy to have another bottle. (91 pts.) -
2005 Mongeard-Mugneret Nuits St. Georges Les Plateaux - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Nuits St. Georges (10/23/2009)
I had lunch at Zuni Cafe in SF and this was bought off the list (IIRC around $60). Nice pale ruby color with some purple swirls mixed in. Very lovely nose despite some noticeable oak. It is earthy, with some mushrooms. Plenty of upfront cherries, slightly syrupy. Despite its youth, this wine is one of the more open 05’s I have had. No doubt, five years bring sout more complexity but it is very good right now. A great match with some excellent polenta i had for lunch. (88 pts.)
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