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2005 Domaine de Nizas Coteaux du Languedoc - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Coteaux du Languedoc (12/18/2009)
13.5% alcohol. 60% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre. Dark red color, tinged with purple. Youthful nose of blue and black fruits, a touch of meat and pepper, and a bit of unresolved oak. In the mouth, somewhat rustic but very good delineation of fruit and the complex side of Syrah, balanced nicely by some lighter hints from the Grenache. Good acidity and some tannins kicking around the back end, where the oak makes a quick appearance again. Terrific QPR. B+ -
N.V. Domaine Chandon Brut Classic - USA, California, Napa Valley, Yountville (12/18/2009)
13.0% alcohol. Delightful value in sparkling wine. This is better than in the past couple years by a notch. Nice yeasty nose of citrus-laced apple and minerals. In the mouth, refreshing, with quite fierce bubbles. Plenty of apple fruit that is slightly tart leads the way with some light toasty notes in the background, along with good acidity. Solid finish. Eminently drinkable. B+ -
2003 Château Rieussec - France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes (12/16/2009)
14.0% alcohol. Very young but beautiful. Honeyed yellow color. Aromatic nose of apricot and dried peach, with plenty of minerality lurking. In the mouth, viscous and pure, with great dried fruit and apricot. A very healthy kick of acidity and long, sumptuous finish that emphasizes the botrytis. Delightful. A- -
2005 Tandem Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (12/16/2009)
14.9% alcohol. A bit simple for this vineyard and this vintage. Nice notes of buttery apple and pear, with a hint of minerals in the nose. In the mouth, juicy and nice, but not much beyond the charming apple and pear, with hints of oak. Light acidity and solid finish. B+
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