2000 Felsina, Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia (375 ml):
No bricking; red and black fruit on the nose with warm earth and milk chocolate hints; medium weight, flavors follow the nose with a smoke accent, silky texture, somewhat resolved structure and good length that carries a certain low-register, baked, black fruit note. Not completely integrated but certainly on its way. Perfect with white pizza and salad. About $20 for this small size.
2007 Edmunds St. John, Bone Jolly Witters Vnyd.:
Gamay from El Dorado County; expansive and pretty aromas of fresh cherry and crushed rocks; in the mouth its juicy with flavors that follow the nose; so lively and exuberant – wide open, youthful, lip-smackingly delicious wine that simply demands that you take another taste. There is substantial fruit, an almost hidden structure, a satin texture and a vibrancy that is hard to put into words - this is the bomb! $16; back-up the truck.
2007 Edmunds St. John, Porphyry Barsotti Ranch:
Gamay from El Dorado County from granite soils; restrained aromas of dried cherry and mineral with a slightly smoky note; equally composed in the mouth with flavors that echo the nose, considerable grip, bright acids and a fairly closed fruit profile; excellent length. This demands cellar time and has the stuffing and structure to age a decade or more. Today, this is more an intellectual experience, as opposed to the sheer bliss of the preceding bottle. But what a future it promises; great wine, showing very young. $20, full retail.
2007 Nōmade, Torrontes:
The most aromatic wine I have ever smelled – its like being in a grapefruit orchard on harvest day and having the wind blow in orange blossom and jasmine fragrance at the same time – this one really does explode from the glass – startling; vivacious on the palate (but not quite as overwhelming as the nose) with flavors that follow the nose and add pear and mint tones, lively acidity, very fresh and intense; medium length finish. An unforgettable wine. From Argentina, 13.3%alcohol and about $15.
2007 Dönnhoff, Riesling:
With fried rice with chilies Diane says, “This is lovely wine.”
It is, indeed. 10% alcohol and about $17.
Best, Jim