Dinner, friends, wine

[Florida Jim]

With sweet potato soup:

1997 Trimbach, Riesling Cuvee Frederic Emile (375):

what a match, as the wine was fruit sweet and full flavored, approachable and balanced with depth and viscosity. Together, one of those perfect matches that we will make note of. $18, delvered.

With grilled salmon and a rice pilaf with collards:

1998 Flowers, Pinot Noir Van der Kamp Vnyd.:

what a surprise; this is deeply earthy with excellent concentration, solid structure, ripe fruit flavors (a bit more black than red), well balanced and long in the mouth. With air, more depth and pretty good complexity as the edges round out. Still young but showing more promise than any other Flowers’ pinot I have had in quite some time. And very little wood.

$47, delivered.

With cheese:

1998 Paloma, Merlot:

a full bodied and rich wine, without overt oak and showing fairly open; lots of fruit flavors and spice, bright and fresh, with good length and balance. More open than I would expect and delicious with the cheese.

$44, delivered.

Best, Jim