Inama Soave Classico 2008

Inama makes some wonderful wines in the Veneto region of Italy and this is a nice, reasonably priced addition that makes a fun summer drink. All of the Soaves are 100% Garganega which when given the proper treatment can produce light wines with hints of wild flowers, lemon curd and nuts. This crisp Italian white has a nose loaded with wild flowers, lemon zest and flinty minerals. The wine is medium/(-) bodied, nice acidity, and a palate that demonstrates hints of stone fruits, citrus and lovely Old World minerality on a pretty long finish. A delightful alternative to the usual summer selections.

Number of wines reviewed in 2010: 106

"Fabulously French" Tasting At Winesellar

A little late in posting this wonderful excursion to Winesellar & Brasserie where the theme was French wines. Armed with a collection of W. H. Auden poems I passed the time tasting the following wines and enjoyed a lovely lunch. The wines for this tasting were:

2007 Eric Morgat, L'Enclos, Savennieres, Loire Valley: A lovely 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley this wine had a lightly floral nose with hints of honey, peaches and lemons. Medium/(-) bodied, peach, lemon, a little spice on the rather lengthy finis.

2007 Domaine Faiveley, Clos Rochette, Mercurey, Burgundy: A white Burgundian means Chardonnay. Here we have a touch of peach, apricot, spice, maybe honeysuckle on the nose, nice acidity with green apple, peach and a little cinnamon on the palate and a medium/(+) length finish. Very nice.

2000 Chateau La Fleur Morange, Saint Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux: Yummy! clear, dark ruby core with just the slightest bleed of color at the rim. Nose promises spice, black fruits, plum. Medium body, good acid/tannin balance, dark fruits and spice with a touch of cocoa on the long tasty finish.

2006 Chateau Pulingy-Montrachet, Nuits Saint Georges, Burgundy: Burgundy, the home to Pinot Noir and here we have a classic expression that is both full bodied and graceful. Medium (-) intensity nose full of rose petals, cherries, red berries and cola. Medium acidity, medium (-) smooth tannins, spicy cherries on a long silky finish.

2006 Domaine Le Sang De Cailloux, Cuvee Azalais, Vacqueyras, Rhone: A masculine Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault blend showing very intense color and an interesting nose that is somewhat brambly, almost meaty with hints of spice and tobacco. Balanced acid/tannin, surprisingly smooth medium length finish.

2006 Domaine De L'Hortus, Coteaux Du Languedoc: Clean, deep inky core with just the slightest bleed. Black fruits and tobacco nose, powerfully dry, firm tannins, good acid support, dark chocolate, blackberry taste and a long finish.

Number of wines reviewed in 2010: 105

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages 2008

It's warm and summery, traditionally white wine weather but ya know there are just some times I get in the mood for a reds (actually in the grand scheme of things I am much more of red wine guy) so last night I opened a bottle of Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages 2008. Beaujolais is a terribly misunderstood appellation of France because what the majority of wine drinkers know of Beaujolais is the fun, fruity must-be-consumed-immediately "nouveau" that comes out just in time for Thanksgiving (and makes a good pairing for traditional "turkey day" meals). Beaujolais is much, much more than that.


*** Warning, educational material coming up ***

Usually grouped in as part of Burgundy but apart from some blurring with the Maconnais area there isn't much they have in common. Beaujolais is dedicated to the Gamay grape and while the traditional production method is for "red fruit", smooth, kinda "happy" wines there is wide variation in wines that are from this region.

There are 12 main appellations in the Beaujolas district that can be thought of as three groups:

Beaujolais, accounting for about half of the wine sold. This is the basic AOC. Usually drink within a year of production.

Beaujolais Villages, an intermediate level designation which includes wine from any one or more of 39 designated villages. Can hold its appeal for a two or three years.

Cru Beaujolais, the highest category of classification in Beaujolais, account for the production within ten villages. These wines do not usually show the word "Beaujolais" on the label and hold well for several years and each of the ten productions have their own characteristics that make them distinct from the others in this group.

*** End of educational material ***

In the glass this wine appears clear, medium (-) intensity bright cherry color. The nose is clean, lightly fragrant with wild flowers and red berries leading the way and just the slight undertone of what I initially got as orange peel. The wine is dry, light bodied, medium acidity, low smooth tannins and having a flavor profile of red berries and just the tiniest hint of spice on its medium length finish. This is a refreshing red wine, meant to be served chilled like a white and a lovely little red wine summer companion.

Number of wines reviewed in 2010: 99

King Estate Signature Collection Pinot Gris 2008

It's a sunny, warm summer day so wanting something crisp and refreshing I reached for a bottle of King Estate's Pinot Gris. This Oregon winery always delivers so it was good to find out this wine was just one more in a long line of good valued wines. Pinot Gris is usually mildly floral with hints of citrus and that is definitely what you get here with a little something extra. In the glass the wine was clear with a light yellow-green tint. The nose was delicate but lovely yielding pear, hints of peach, lime zest and just a hint of floral notes. On the palate this is a dry wine, medium to medium (+) acidity with flavors of citrus, touch of apricots and peaches and a hint of minerality on the lovely long finish. Crisp, light, delicate... just what I needed.

Number of wines reviewed in 2010: 98