Dinner wines

[Florida Jim]

Wine opened without food:

2002 Bruno Giacosa, Roero Arneis:

Very fresh citrus and grassy tones on the nose/

Light bodied but no lack of concentration, flavors echo the nose with intensity, good balance/

Long finish.

The perfect aperitif and a delight on a warm day.

With pasta with squash, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes and onions:

2000 Alain Michaud, Brouilly Cuvee Non-Filtre:

Fresh, ripe cherries with stone and spice scents/

Medium body, the flavors echo the nose and seem to expand into every part of the mouth, intense, a definite mineral streak, structured, well balanced/

Medium length finish.

Has sufficient structure to last several years but tastes great today and was excellent with the dish.

With red snapper baked with tomatoes, black olives, mozzarella and pesto:

2000 Lafarge, Bourgogne:

Beautiful cherry and raspberry nose with some earth tones/

Medium body but quite elegant and almost delicate on the palate, flavors follow the nose and add light spice and strawberry elements, great balance/

Medium finish with just a hint of tannin to dry it.

Translucent and delicious; a really fine bottle that will last a little while. Excellent with the fish.

With crackers and cheese:

1993 Kiona, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (375):

Dark fruit, herbs and a touch of chocolate on the nose/

Full body, most of the herb flavors have toned down a bit since the last bottle, pretty well resolved, with good concentration and balance/

Long finish.

Much nicer than the last bottle as it seems to be more integrated and better resolved. Good with cheese.

Best, Jim