Ended up, as I always seem to, at Terroir Wine Bar. Despite my predilection, it was NOT red wine day
So...Tried three awesome whites. The high point was the 2006 Paolo Bea Santa Chiara (Umbria)-Grechetto, Malvasia, Sauvignon Blanc, Garganego. What an utterly delicious and unique and STRANGE wine. Definitely some oxidized color-Dagon said that some someliers sell this as a desert wine, but it is not "sweet" at all. There was so much going on, but I definitely tasted almonds, peach, and plenty of white pepper . I found this an astonishing wine. 95 points+??? Awesome!
Perhaps more appropriate for the record-breaking heat was the 2004 De Moor Saint Bris-an appellation of Chablis where they use Sauvignon Blanc! Not the usual somewhat insipd Sauvignon Blanc, this interesting white had a greenish cast. Oodles of minerals but what I really liked was the distinct "lime" character to the flavors. I love lime-enough to juice limes without any sugar! I thought this was a delicious wine=perfect for summer. For $15, how can you go wrong? 90 points+
The 2003 De Moor "Planatation 1902" Aligote was my first taste of this grape, and I loved it. Smoother and richer, with more layers than the Saint Bris, I tasted some savory notes and white peaches, with good acidity and minerality. I tasted no new oak. Not as cheap as the Saint Bris, but a step up in concentration and interest. 91.5 points.
They also had open the 2001 Domaine Trevaiillon Rhone red. Darn, this was showing well today. Just had a taste,. but this was one of those wines that you kept your nose in the glass. I could only carry so much back to BART, but this is on my list!
Great wine tasting. My patriotic unease in often preferring French wine is somewhat mollified by the fact that the Red Hawk Sonoma County cheese I had with the wine today is as good as any French cheese I've ever had!
