Viña Godeval, Valdeorras, 2006
Chalky lime mineral nose. Some sea tang, crunchy minerals, with an almost pine sap finish.
A long finish here despite being a 'light' wine. A-
Chateau Monbousquet, St. Emilion, 1999 (blanc)
Bronze lemon-yellow color. Lanolin, figs, and vanillin on the oppulent nose, all schoed on the palate, but with vanilla standing out on the finish. Still sporting a nice acid crunch, and provides an almost lavender-lemon honey finish. Excellent. A-
Terredora di Paolo, Campania IGT, Aglianico, 2005
It is difficult finding bargain-priced aglianico, but this is one of them. For around $14, you get the real deal: smoky meaty nose of mushrooms in earth, tobacco. In the mouth tobacco, arugula roots, and a spicy, tannic finish. Of course, it's not all earthy elements, but these are most prominnet. Only 12.5% alcohol. One of my picks for "Bargain of the Year".
Domaine Henri Perrot-Minot, Morey-St-Denis 'la Riotte', vieilles vignes, 1999
Smoky boysenberry and black cherry, smooth, rich, and youthful, but the tannins are softish and sweet. Nicely balanced, and becomes more iron-rich with air time. B+/A-
Huet, Vouvray 'le Mont', demi sec, 1998
Caught at a bad time or what? A disappointment. About the only thing here is a little quince and some demarra sugar. B/B-
Antonelli, Montefalco Rosso, 2001
Bright ruby red. A full nose of decaying porcini mushrooms, dark red fruits, and dried bonito flakes. Very black in the mouth, with ample acids and a strapping finish. Despite being a medium bodied wine, this is very rich and round, drinking very well now but can also stand to use several more years of additional aging. A-
Carl Loewen, Leiwener Laurentiuslay, Riesling-A, 2002
A spring floral bouquet, with green mango, tarragon and hayseed, crushed apricot pits in a delicate package, almost more spatlese than auslese in feel. Appealing in a sudued way. B+
(Laurent Tibes) Les Camuzeilles, Vine de Pays de la Vallee du Paradis, Carignan, 2004
Ruby purple color. Bright black raspberry and musty garrigue on the nose. Sweet road tar, lots of blackberry, a patch of potholes that need to get filled in, but drinking very well already. 13.5% B+
Chateau Ollieux Romanis, Corbieres, 2006 (blanc)
50/50 blend of marsanne & rousanne. Unripe nectarine and waxy tree oil (brazil nut?), slightly innocuous but emminently drinkable white wine. Could be a good party white, if the hip wine geeks are out. B/B+