N/V Gosset, Champagne Excellence Brut:
Lightly yeasty, somewhat nutty, quite dry and altogether nice – I am not a Champagne guy but this was pleasant without rough spots and held its bead very well. $30.
2007 Le Colombier, Vacqueyras VV:
This is good; complete, layered, integrated without flab or being over-done in any way; tempting aromas and a strongly flavored, meaty, salty, sappy, profile with a fine finish. As balanced a 2007 southern Rhône as I have had and about $18.
N/V Casal Garcia, Vinho Verde Branco:
Bright, dry, lightly spritzy and transparent; freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and stones; 10% abv and $6 – I shall buy a great deal of this.
2008 Montressor, Bardolino:
Lightweight without being thin, concentrated but not lush, lovely balance, juicy fruit and a somewhat dry finish. A good wine for drinking with or without food and candidly, one that appeals to me so much more than many of the heavier, richer reds I have had recently. Charming; 12.5% and about $12.
2005 Patrick Javillier, Pernand-Vergelesses:
Very translucent garnet; dusty rose (reminiscent of lighter nebbiolo), hard-candy, cold stone and whole-cluster aromas with some bottle bouquet; intense flavors of cranberry, herb, and sour cherry with considerable nuance on a beautiful, silky textured delivery with a light tannic grip and a very long, non-drying finish. But most noticeable is an overall spiciness, both on the nose and in the mouth. Shows a little like a Corton with some age on it. Still tight but quite elegant and complex. A pretty spectacular wine; 13% alcohol and $23.
(Aside: one of the great blessings in my life is Diane, a truly wonderful chef, among other things. Tonight she whipped up a gratin of Japanese eggplant, tomato and feta with a fried egg on top, home-made crusty bread and a Caesar salad (from scratch). This wine complimented the meal perfectly and it strikes me that, no one else I know eats like this.
I need to get to the gym very soon . . .)
Best, Jim