2015 Saintsbury Pinot Noir Carneros, CA
I had a glass of this at Chris's Steakhouse (a locally owned restaurant in Fayetteville, NC--not Ruth's Chris chain). Darkly colored for a California Pinot Noir. Deep fruit but also some depth below the fruitiness. Smooth and silky, delightful. I had it with grilled shrimp, rice pilaf and broccoli.
2013 Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
14.5% abv. I had some congestion from allergies when I opened this so was not getting the full scent of the wine. On the palate I got pleasant sensations of dark cherries and berries. It has some grip and a lingering finish. This wine seems to be nicely poised between being easy drinking and having a bit of structure. In my estimation it doesn't need a lot of aging to be enjoyable. but I may keep my second bottle for a couple more years.
2007 Joseph Swan Vineyards Syrah Trenton Estate, Russian River Valley, CA
14.6% abv. Cork was in poor shape and broke up when I tried to extract it. I filtered the wine through a tea sieve. Impenetrable purple coloring. Attractive dark fruit with some underlying depth, textured and layered. Easy to gulp down but that would tend to make you miss the finesse. Fresher on the first two evenings--a bit tired the third evening. Many Zinfandels nowadays come in at 15% or higher alcohol. I appreciate that this is below 15%. I really enjoyed this although it could stand up to barbecue or something stronger than the baked pork chops I was having with it.
2006 Joseph Swan Vineyards Zinfandel Trenton Station--Lion Ridge, Russian River Valley, CA
15.2% abv. Cork was not extracted cleanly. Earthy, slightly herbal, but with ample dark fruit to appeal to the pleasure taste buds. Tannins are integrated and the alcohol level is not that obvious. IMO this is quite vibrant for a 12-year-old wine. I had it one evening with beef and then the next evening with a Greek lamb, green bean and tomato casserole and a small baked potato. Quite attractive.