Allan and Shirley came for a visit toting goodies and we did our best to enjoy a cool evening’s repast out on the porch.
With a variety of cheeses, sausages and crackers:
2004 Bessin, Chablis Valmur:
Although it has a touch of green (likely from the vintage) this delivers intensity and typicité in a fleshy and texturally smooth package. 13% alcohol and imported by Kysela Père et Fils.
2001 Knoll, Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Vinothekfüllung:
About as fine and concentrated as the variety can produce. Full bodied, incredible depth, intense and utterly of its place. Sensational wine. 14% alcohol and imported by Vin Divino.
2001 Clavelier, Corton VV Le Rognet:
I thought it slightly corked; Allan thought it slightly off but not corked – either way, not its best showing. 13.5% alcohol and imported by Martine’s Wines.
With a summer squash salad:
2000 Raveneau, Chablis Montée de Tonnerre:
Still slightly closed, although it opened nicely in about half an hour, this is beautiful, strongly flavored Chablis with saline hints and great acidity. Hard to beat. 13% alcohol and imported by Kermit Lynch.
With pasta with a purée of fresh tomatoes and almonds:
1966 Leroy, Corton:
Full resolved (something I can rarely say of Corton), ethereal, complex and showing wonderful secondary development. At peak and quite marvelous. 13% alcohol and imported by Leroy, Inc.
1995 Clape, Cornas:
Funky at first but as it opened it became a rich, terroir driven syrah with loads of nuance and a substantial mouth-feel. Terrific young wine. 13% alcohol and imported by Kermit Lynch.
With more of the cheeses, etc.:
1999 Giacosa, Barolo Falletto:
Too young but quite a mouthful of wine; deep, layered, powerful nebbiolo from the master. 13.5% alcohol and imported by Locascio.
2003 Dom. Tempier, Bandol:
A worsted texture, loads of flavor and so clearly of its place that it would be hard to guess it as anything else. Young but delicious. 11-14% alcohol and imported by Kermit lynch.
2003 Puffeney, Poulsard Arbois:
A rich example of the variety and showing the nuance and uniqueness of the grape and the Jura. A lovely drop. 13.5% alcohol and imported by Rosenthal.
Best, Jim