WTN - Lehmann, Guigal, Craneford, Perrin

A few brief comments on some wines I've had lately...

• 2001 Perrin & Fils Vacqueyras Les Christins - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vacqueyras (2/4/2007)
  Hazy notes from a Superbowl tasting. Age is increasing the elegance of this wine, some of its power and tannins replaced with excellent harmony. No oak notes, just lovely redfruits and increasing complexity on the nose and medium bodied palate. Great QPR wine that's still good for a couple of years. (A-)
• 1998 Peter Lehmann The Mentor - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (1/27/2007)
  Dark brick in clour, with mint and a mixture of blackfruits and redfruits on an earthy nose. There was a slight metallic note too. It had a lovely smooth texture, with a mix of red and blackfruits and a hint of mint. It's still young! (B+)
• 2003 E. Guigal Condrieu - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieu (1/27/2007)
  A very subdued nose for a viognier, with a few light green and yellow fruits but little floral or honeysuckle notes. Slightly oily texture, and a slight alcohol note as well, but with honeyed pineapple and apricot flavours. Not a very typical Condrieu, probably showing its vintage, but a nice enough wine overall. (B+)
• 2002 Craneford Grenache - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (1/21/2007)
  Hazy notes from last night. Better than my previous bottle, the wine seemed to be much more integrated. Very smooth on the ful bodied palate, with spicy notes in the red and black fruits. Just a hint of sweetness on the palate. Went great with a pasta with puttenesca sauce. (A-)