2016 Bodegas Atalaya Laya Spain Red Blend
70% Grenache, 30% Monastrell. A good blend that's stylishly approachable yet widely available at a mass-market price. Hard to argue that it's not good.
2014 Château Chasse-Spleen Moulis en Médoc
Didn't disappoint. Showed CS's trademark feminine wiles (cassis, violets) along with the early-drinker aspects of the vintage while still earning its place as serious Bordeaux. Decanted three hours.
2013 Domaine Huet Vouvray Pétillant Brut Chenin Blanc
Golden color. Unlike our last bottle this had the requisite quantity and persistence of bubbles but it's riper and fleshier than expected and preferred. Disappointed to say that I don't think these will have the life hoped for from Huet Petillants.
2017 Amity Vineyards Pinot Noir White Oregon
Chuck's wine. Very pale pink. Lightly citrusy with some lychee-like fruit and a touch of RS which, otherwise not a plus, made this a particularly good choice for a cheese and green grape plate.
2016 G.D. Vajra Barbera d'Alba
Tomato, berry and a little florality. Lacks the rusticity that give a sense of place to the Italian Barberas I prefer, and more time in bottle would likely help with that, but shows well now with minor decanting.
2007 Forsyth Brio Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain
Don's bottle. En pointe cabernet sauvignon for Red Mountain, even better than three years ago. Exceptionally harmonious for a vintage in which so many wines were overripe and alcoholic. A poster child for "they don't have to be like that". Tannins fairly resolved, probably at peak.
2016 Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc Horse Heaven Vineyard Horse Heaven Hills
Some past vintages have shown some unwelcome RS, but not this one. Nicely dry and balanced.
2015 Gary Farrell Zinfandel Grist Vineyard Dry Creek Valley
Showing a very savory cool climate profile at the moment, which feels odd in that '15 wasn't a cool vintage. Structured, refined, showing zinfandel's serious claret side. Am guessing will drink best 2020-2025.
2016 Bodegas Emilio Moro Ribera del Duero Finca Resalso Tempranillo
The winner of a contest between friends featuring six supermarket under $20 Riojas. This one grabbed attention with a perfumey nose of kirsch and violets plus loads of spice closer to French oak than the region's typical American. Better-than-average body.