2006 Dom. de Fontsainte, Gris de Gris (Rosé):
This dry rosé from Corbières smells of strawberry and persimmon with a mineral undertone; tastes full flavored and peppery with a satin texture and ripe fruit; and, is flavorful and bone dry on the finish. Excellent accompaniment to a salad with grilled chicken and very nice on its own, albeit shows young. 12.5% alcohol, imported by Kermit Lynch and about $11; I’d buy it again.
2006 Castaño, Yecla Rosé:
Monastrell made pink and not especially pleasing; I think this got a dose of sugar – if not, the winemaker might want to think about a day job; syrupy and cloying, even over ice. For those who like very sweet rosé . . . and that’s not me. 13.5% alcohol, imported by Eric Solomon and about $7; I would not buy it again.
2000 Alvear, Sherry Fino en Rama (375 ml):
100% Pedro Ximenez, this crisp, fresh wine has scents of yeasty bread dough, almond and white fruit; it’s bright, mouthwatering, a touch smoky on the palate and carries the flavors of the nose with intensity; and, it finishes long and bone dry. Served cold with smoked Gouda and nuts, it was perfect. Certainly not for everyone, but I very much enjoyed it. 15% alcohol, imported by Stacole, price unknown; I’d buy it again.
2004 Perrin, Côtes-du-Rhône Réserve:
An expressive nose of meat, smoke, garrigue, red fruit and earth, nicely complex and open; less impressive in the mouth but still the flavors follow the nose and the balance is good – it just seems a bit washed out; decent length. Very easy to drink and food friendly as it went well with pasta with almond and fresh tomato sauce. 13% alcohol, imported by Vineyard Brands and about $8; I’d probably buy it again but would like to try other vintages to see if the flavor profile differs.
2004 Dom. Tempier, Bandol:
As always, this Domaine produces wines of character, terroir and concentration; complex and enticing on the nose; deep, layered, ripe and balanced in the mouth and excellent length. Very Bandol.
Beautiful with grilled sausages.
Unfortunately, their prices are now beyond my reach. 11-14% alcohol (I’d guess this is on the high end), imported by Kermit Lynch and about $30. Much as I love the wine, I won’t spend that anymore.
Best, Jim