Weekend in Los Angeles:
2009 Lanson Champagne Le Vintage Champagne Blend
I took this one to California. Nicely aged, a liquid chausse au pomme. More comforting than exciting and I would not buy more at this point, but very enjoyable.
2006 Jacquart Champagne Brut Millésimé Champagne Blend
Three years older than the Lanson above but has the youthful structure and texture of a much younger wine. In pristeen shape, best bubbly of the weekend.
2021 Equipo Navazos La Bota de Manzanilla 111 "Florpower MMXVIII" Manzanilla de Sanlúcar de Barrameda Palomino Fino
My wine, because the weekend was all about Spanish wine and you need manazanilla! Served with seared scallops on a bed of romesceau sauce. Deeply fruited but dry and nutty with sage tones. Oh how I loved this. Used to see this brand a lot in Washington (the importer might be in Seattle), but not lately.
2000 Domaine Chandon de Briailles Corton-Bressandes Corton Grand Cru Pinot Noir
Wow--this is the first CT note on this wine in 14 years! Youthful deep red burgundy fruits, earth, and some spice. Still in secondary stage if latter days of that, but still has some sturdy tannins and tertiary development is a ways off. Excellent accompaniament to rare seared ahi in a paprika-shallot butter.
2023 Herdade dos Casarões Arinto Di Vai Alentejo
A full-bodied, balanced Portugese white with the acidity and complexity to carry it. Wasn't able to take notes but friends and I agreed it was the best still white the weekend (there were others, but I didn't take notes).
2000 Bodegas Muga Rioja Selección Especial Tempranillo Blend, Tempranillo
G&D's entry at a blind Spanish wine tasting. Classic, big bodied and seductive in style and structure, all black fruit with warm notes of tobacco and leather.
2003 R. López de Heredia Rioja Reserva Viña Tondonia Tempranillo Blend, Tempranillo
IN brought this one. It took first place (including my vote) in its flite. As its owner said: "Classic and alluring aromas of roses, ripe tempranillo, subtle smoked meats, with a silky texture and gentle but balanced acidity." Great showing but leftovers showed oxidation the next day. As compared to:
2011 R. López de Heredia Rioja Reserva Viña Bosconia Tempranillo Blend
My wine. Uncorked it 8 hours before service. Bright dark red fruits are layered with spice and tangy golden raisins. Took second place in its flight at the tasting but was out in front of the other leftovers on Day Two.
2014 C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Imperial Reserva Tempranillo
Also my wine and uncorked 8 hours before service. Blackberry and plum fruit with roasted coffee Took first place in its flight. Leftovers showed a hint of oxidation on Day Two.
There were four other reds but I didn't take notes. These were the worthiest.
Meanwhile, at home since:
2023 Alois Lageder Pinot Bianco Terra Alpina Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT
Pale gold color, sweet floral nose with minerals, pear, white stone fruit. Good body with a chalky, dry finish. A serious white that's focussed and classy.
2014 Domaine Joblot Givry 1er Cru Clos de la Servoisine Pinot Noir
My last bottle, and the first disappointment. Been drinking these every two years and prior bottles were all ramping up for a peak around '26, but this bottle had the necrotic, soy sauce-y nose of serious decline. Seems to be a bottle variation problem: other bottles on CT as recent as six months ago were apparently better.
2019 I Veroni Chianti Rùfina La Rusticola Sangiovese Blend, Sangiovese
Rustic, gritty, meh....
2022 Kevin White Winery La Fraternité Yakima Valley Red Rhone Blend
(At Ione's.) Best Kevin White wine I've had. Dialed back in a European style with nicely toned red fruit, balance and development such that it tasted like a wine with 6 to 10 years' bottle age. Excellent!