TN: Dining in

[Florida Jim]

1995 La Jota, Petite Sirah:

At 13, this tastes pretty much as it did at 2; good grip, some nice spice notes, solid fruit and all in a relatively simple package that has changed little since it was bottled. Perhaps, it is a bit less bright, a touch drier and a trifle more integrated – none of which is sufficient reason to cellar this bottle so long. Good with burgers but I’d not buy it again.

2005 Luneau-Papin, Muscadet Dom. Pierre de la Grange:

Smells like spring water and unripe pineapple; crisp but full flavored, focused yet nuanced, carries considerable body and is, oh so long in the mouth. 12% alcohol, less than $10 and world class. A joy to drink and the essence of freshness. Tomato and ricotta salata salad went well.

2003 Radikon, Ribolla Gialla (500ml):

Diane told me we were having sausages with white beans and spinach – it’s a somewhat soupy concoction with some fairly angular flavors – and some good crusty olive bread, so I decided to pull this bottle. Try as I might, I can not describe the smells and flavors of this wine with any degree of accuracy. But it is tannic (rather unusual for a white wine), full flavored, tastes as though someone had laced it with the essence of mineral water, is ever so slightly sherried and is absolutely captivating. For some reason, it makes me feel like I lived centuries ago and was having a flagon of wine with my medieval banquet. Suffice to say that this is not for everyone, that its complexity is infinite, and that I’d gladly trade my Riedel for a chalice. I love this stuff.

Best, Jim