2004 Giacosa, Nebbiolo d’Alba Valmaggiore:
This has gained volume with age and the rose petal aromas are in full bloom along with red fruit and milk chocolate on the nose; bright acids in a wine that completely fills the mouth without weight and a texture like satin; increasing length. This bottle has blossomed in the cellar into a Barbaresco look-alike. With rare steak and honey/lavender carrots, exceptional.
2001 Knoll, Riesling Schutt:
One for the life list; extraordinary color in that it is full golden; scents of honey, flowers, resin, white fruit and slate, beyond being just complex, this is a landslide of aromas that change constantly; rich, viscous, powerful flavors and textures in the mouth, astounding concentration and yet the whole package seems light and fresh; infinite length. For me, great wines are a paradox; thick but weightless, deep but fresh, etc. and this wine is the exemplar. It just doesn’t get any better and this bottle was at full song. Stunning with grilled scallops on sundried tomato polenta. Oh my!
2008 Radio-Coteau, Pinot Noir Terre Neuma:
A good example of a wine where the oak is not clearly identifiable but has done damage to the aromatics and palate. A good wine that spent too much time in wood.
2009 Chronicle, Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast:
Wonderful; vibrant, fresh, lively pinot that tends to the feminine but is still intense. Like eating just picked fruit at peak ripeness and then having it become wine in the mouth. Nice notes of sandalwood and earth complete the bass line for this composition. Outstanding.
1997 Araujo, Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard:
Too much oak for me; that mineral character that I remember from the vineyard is buried in sawn lumber. I can drink it, but just. Why?
Best, Jim
