Vino with vittles

[Florida Jim]

Despite having the house torn-up in the midst of a remodel, there seem to be a constant stream of visitors. Perhaps, the fact that our weather has been so mild for mid-November is keeping everyone in motion – knowing that, when the snow falls, it will be time to stay home.

Aperitif:

1997 Trimbach, Riesling Cuvee Frederic Emile (375):

very expansive nose of pear, apple, honeycomb, flowers and stones; quite complex and alluring/

medium body, bright flavors follow the nose with some spice accents, substantial cut, intense, concentrated, well balanced/

very long and mouth watering.

Almost too powerful to be drunk without food. Excellent juice with years to peak.

About $18, delivered

With pork tenderloin:

1993 Sullivan, Merlot:

dusty red fruit and loam aromas with some spice and something that smelled like fresh fish (not meant to be derogatory)/

full body, flavors run more to dark fruit with lots of earthy flavors, somewhat tight, intense and concentrated, good balance/

long, drying finish.

Decanted off substantial sediment. Needs another ten years. Excellent with the food.

$45, delivered at release.

With cheese and crackers:

1998 Abbaye de Tholomies, Minervois:

deeply scented with plum, meat and cherry scents; hints of earth and spice/

full body, rich and dense in the mouth with flavors that follow the nose, well concentrated and perfectly balanced/

long finish.

I wish I could get more of this; what a superb wine. Made of Syrah (60%), Grenache (30%) and Mourvedre (10%), this is smooth, flavorful and satisfying.

About $10, full retail.

With grilled mushroom sandwiches:

2000 Vieux Telegraph:

gentle CdP nose with nice delineation/

full body, viscous, mostly red fruit and meat flavors with good concentration and fair balance; well integrated already/

medium length finish.

I have heard others mention alcoholic heat but did not find it. Nice wine and good with the lunch.

About $35, discounted.

With pasta with red sauce and winter vegetables:

2002 Casa Brina, Ruche di Castagnole Monferrato:

constantly changing nose with red fruit, gentle oak, flowers, black pepper, hard candy and spice smells rising and falling; complex but slightly disjointed/

medium body, the palate echoes the nose with similar flavors rising and falling in intensity, solid but unobtrusive structure, and again complex but disjointed, excellent balance/

medium length but quite intense finish.

Showing very young but balanced; bright and fresh now and fine potential. Good with the dish.

About $18, discounted.

With chocolate muffins:

1996 Chat. Montelena, Cabernet Sauvignon (375):

gentle oak and black fruit nose, fairly straightforward/

medium body, smooth texture, flavors follow the nose with slight complexity, nicely integrated and concentrated, good balance/

medium length finish.

Showing pleasantly but of no great interest. Killer with the dessert.

About $30, delivered at release.

With nuts and cheese:

1992 Fieldstone, Port:

A sort of Late bottled vintage style made from Petite Sirah with pretty, sweet fruit and substantial power (19% alcohol). Nothing special.

About $30, on release.

With Italian sub sandwiches:

2000 Michaud, Brouilly Cuvee Non-Filtre:

bright nose of red currants, cherries, some blackberry and spice tones/

medium body, crunchy acidity with flavors that follow the nose, intense, concentrated, slightly closed, lovely balance/

long, crisp finish.

Terrific wine with a big upside for the future. Delicious with the lunch.

About $13, delivered.

Best, Jim