2002 Bergerie de l’Hortus, Pic Saint Loup Classique:
A touch of the Rhone on the nose which is very reticent; a lightly fruited, straight-forward, lean, unbalanced toward acidity wine that seems a bit brittle to me. Not worth the $8.
2005 Caldora, Sangiovese Terre di Chieti:
Grapes and raspberries on the nose; the same on the palate with a fruit sweet delivery that is smooth, simple and pleasant. Not classy but certainly quaffable and went well with a pressed Cuban sandwich. About $8.
N/V Louis Perdier, Brut Blanc de Blanc:
An odd, but perfectly acceptable, mix of slightly sweet and slightly dry impressions with a healthy bead and nice sustain. Not a great bubbly but okay for $6; still, one glass will do.
2002 Luneau-Papin, Muscadet Clos de Allées:
The texture and breadth of a fine, aged Chablis; the penetrating flavor and cut of a great Muscadet; with an extremely long finish and an entire world of nuance on both the nose and palate. Sensational with grilled chicken and, at $7 on sale, cheap at three times the price.
2003 Dom “La Garrigue,” Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Romaine:
Very nice nose of meat, salty minerality, red fruit and spice; equally good on the palate with nothing overblown, solid fruit and mineral flavors with nuance, excellent balance and acidity; a medium length, bright finish. At $10, a delicious, savory wine that accompanies pasta with pesto beautifully.
(A very nice and all too rare, 2003 success.)
Best, Jim