Monthly Archives: November 2007

3 Looks at Burgundian Chardonnay

Posted on November 15, 2007 by RJ

This flight features Chardonnay from 3 respected producers. There is an inexpensive Macon, a more formidable Puligny and lastly a Chablis with some age on it. Les Heritiers du Comte Lafon Macon 2006 This wine embodies the citrus side of … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, Chablis, Chardonnay, Macon, Puligny Montrachet | Leave a comment

The Other Grapes of Burgundy

Posted on November 15, 2007 by RJ

Domaine Goisot Bourgogne Aligote 2004 An evolving nose and aging palate with nutty complexity and ample acidity. Eleve et mis en bouteilles par Anne et Arnaud Goisot in Saint-Bris-le-Vineux 12% $10.99 at K&L Domaine Goisot Saint-Bris 2004 Lots of sulfur … Continue reading →

Posted in Aligote, Burgundy, France, Sauvignon Blanc | Leave a comment

Start with an Aperitif

Posted on November 15, 2007 by RJ

Kir This classic French aperitif was orginally made with the austere Aligote and the sweet Cassis, both from Burgundy. With the least expensive Bourgogne Aligote selling for $11 in San Francisco, however, it makes no sense to be a traditionalist. … Continue reading →

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Two Takes on Provence

Posted on November 13, 2007 by RJ

Jade Mountain California La Provencale 2004 Previous notes show the wine as complex and oaky though the 2nd bottle earlier in the year seemed a little alcoholic. Tonight’s bottle is very supple again and I don’t think most people would … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Cotes de Provence, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Provence, Rhone Blend, Syrah | Leave a comment

Brunier’s Satellite

Posted on November 13, 2007 by RJ

Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas 2003 This has been a consistent performer at a more affordable price than the well-made Brunier wines from CDP. The last bottle tasted earlier in 2007 was good again, but the tannic astringency at that time … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Gigondas, Grenache, Rhône, Rhone Blend | Leave a comment

Remember White Bordeaux?

Posted on November 13, 2007 by RJ

Chateau Guiraud Bordeaux Vin Blanc Sec 2005 The last bottle tasted in early 2007 was very fresh, combining high acid with depth of flavor. This bottle was on target again, with roundness to complement the acidity. Sourced from vines with … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, France, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon | Leave a comment

Chenin Blanc in Evolution

Posted on November 12, 2007 by RJ

Régis Cruchet Vouvray Sec 2005 The last bottle tasted earlier in the year was rather evolved yet still possessing the textbook acidity. Perhaps it was one bottle where the cork didn’t hold in the SO2 effectively. No, again we see … Continue reading →

Posted in Chenin Blanc, France, Vouvray | Leave a comment

California and Burgundy Head-to-Head

Posted on November 12, 2007 by RJ

Vincent Girardin Rully 1er Cru Les Cloux 2005 Very nice. Vinifié, élevé et mis en bouteille a Meursault 13.5% $24.99 at K&L Vincent Girardin .com Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2005 My notes from previous bottles of the 2004 and … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, California, Chablis, Chardonnay, Gevrey-Chambertin, Napa Valley, Rully, Volnay | Leave a comment

Hungary Reigns

Posted on November 12, 2007 by RJ

The previous tasting in the California and Europe class in San Francisco pitted Baumard against Oremus. Tonight’s flight brings in a different top-flight producer, this time from Sauternes. Both the Raymond-Lafon and the Oremus will be tasted side-by-side. In both … Continue reading →

Posted in Chenin Blanc, France, Furmint, Hungary, Late Harvest White, Loire Valley, Quarts de Chaume, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Tokaji | Leave a comment

Domaine Les Yeuses Vin de Pays d’Oc Vermentino 2006

Posted on November 12, 2007 by RJ

Inexpensive, clean and perhaps a hint of residual sugar. Jean-Paul and Michel Dardé maintain a 70+ hectare vineyard near the bassin de Thau in the commune of Meze, where they grow Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Terret, Muscat, Syrah, Merlot and Vermentino. Mis … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Vermentino | Leave a comment