Book ends

[Florida Jim]

With leftover homemade cream of broccoli soup:

1996 Baumard, Savennieres Clos du Papillon:

This is a half bottle from last night which was re-corked and put in the cellar overnight. It is the same extraordinary wine with slightly less aromatics but a bit more integration and fruit sweetness. This wine will live a long time but it is simply wonderful right now.

With grilled chicken breasts, puree of sweet potato and roasted mushrooms with pine nuts:

1997 Kistler, Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast:

Again, half a bottle left from last night shows the same signature clove aromatics and flavors. This could be made of anything and be from anywhere. If I were guessing blind I’d say dry Zinfandel, but I would have no idea its origin.

Aside: I do not understand these types of wines. Priced dearly, mountains of hype, many folks clamoring to receive even a single bottle – all I can do is shake my head in wonder. I am missing something here – it reminds me of the proud mother that goes to the military academy graduation ceremonies for her son and, as the class marches by, turns to the commandant to inquire why everyone except her son is out of step.

2000 Casa Brinia, Ruche di Castagnole Monferrato:

lovely aromatics of red fruit, light leather, clean earth and fresh air/

medium body, worsted texture, flavors follow the nose with nuance and an almost weightless sensation, perfect balance/

lingering finish that shows sufficient grip to make me think a little time in the cellar might be nice.

The Piedemont produces some beautiful wines, and this is one of them. More Asti then Alba, sort of Nebbiolo goes Beaujolais, if you will; translucent, clearly of its place, delightful with food and . . . wait for it . . . $18, full retail including tax.

I guess I understand what I need to.

Best, Jim

[Craig Camp]

Aside: I do not understand these types of wines. Priced dearly, mountains of hype, many folks clamoring to receive even a single bottle – all I can do is shake my head in wonder. I am missing something here – it reminds me of the proud mother that goes to the military academy graduation ceremonies for her son and, as the class marches by,  turns to the commandant to inquire why everyone except her son is out of step.

Sounds like you understand perfecty to me.