With smoked salmon spread and crackers:
2002 Luneau-Papin, Muscadet Clos des Allées:
About as pretty and soulful as wine can be; lots of cut, smooth texture, deep flavors and good sustain. I can see this getting even better with time in the cellar but its glorious now. 12% alcohol, imported by Louis/Dressner and about $7 on sale; worth three times the price.
With ginger marinated bok choy and mushrooms on rice noodles:
2005 Dom. des Roches Neuves, Samur l’Insolite:
Thierry Germain is usually too heavy-handed with the barrel regimen for me, but this 100% chenin blanc is charming, ripe, compact and straightforward with no evidence of wood. Excellent with the dish. 13% alcohol, imported by Jon-David Headrick and about $26; a little steep for me but good wine.
With assorted cheeses:
2001 Jorge Moreira, Poeira:
Rich full bodied, gently oaky and smooth; made from port grapes but unfortified its good accompaniment to the cheeses. 13% alcohol, imported by Eric Solomon and about $30, on sale; this too is a bit steep for me.
Best, Jim