Whites: My most memorable was the 2006 Elizabeth Spencer Mendocino Chenin Blanc. I found this very minerally, almost salty. Good citrus fruit as well, but bone dry. I would buy again.
Reds were quite diverse as well:
2006 Chateau Thivin Cotes de Breuilly Cru Beaujolais. Very controverisal, with some people not liking the cranberry/blackberry flavor and very noticeable acidity. Tannins seemed softer in this bottle than previous. I love this wine and think it's great with food. Lovers of big California wines were less pleased.
2006 Domaine Andre Brunel Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Somelongue. A very nice, simple Rhone blend. Good acidity, nice hint of black pepper, good strawberry fruit. I liked the CdR Villages from him last year much more (more funky and savory and earthy), but a nice quaffer nonetheless.
1999 Tim Adams Aberfeldy Clare Valley Shiraz. A crowd favorite tonight. However-have other people experienced significant bottle variation with this wine or winery? This was much richer and more up-front than the bottle from last week. When first opened, there was quite a blast of caramel from the oak, but this blew off nicely. Still the very enjoyable white pepper, but a bigger, richer mouthfeel and more stuffing in general. if anything, however, this wine was even more savory than the last one. I am loving this wine quite a lot-I think Nugget Market still has more in stock!
2004 Chateau Boswell Beckstoffer IV Napa Valley Cabenet Sauvignon. I get a chuckle out of the winery name. Another crowd pleaser, this monster cab (15% abv) was surprisingly light and actually balanced for the year and the alcohol. No obvious heat. If anything, I found it a little lean and even dull. Others loved it. Good red fruit, a hint of savoryness. Not flawed in any way, just not as exciting as I remember. I guess I am getting too "picky" as I taste Napa Cabs. Probably would not buy again due to the over $50 price.
2003 Chateau Caronne St. Gemme Haut Medoc. some controversy here, Fiercely tannic when first opened, it seemed to open up and mellow over a couple of hours-to me at least. A wine-loving friend still found it too tannic and unbalanced. I guess I am pretty tannin-tolerant (but oak averse
) Friend's wife and I agreed that it was quite pleasant-I liked the dry earthy fruit and lean character. I thought the wine also had fine acidity for such a hot year. For under $20, I found the wine a better deal than the Boswell. Others raved about the Boswell.