Wine with friends

[Florida Jim]

With cauliflower soup with sautéed shitakes and truffle oil:

2002 Anselmi, Capitel Foscarino:

This wine works well as aperitif and as accompaniment to the soup. The garganega is evident on both the nose and palate but it is more complex and interesting than a single varietal. A bottle I will have often.

About $15, full retail.

With roasted whole chicken, couscous and grilled asparagus:

2000 Sineann Pinot Noir Reed and Reynolds Vnyd.:

13.2 % alcohol (and my congratulations to whomever is responsible for keeping the alcohol within reason); very thick and rich with bright licorice (both red and black) on both the nose and palate, some berry jam scents and flavors, and big oak (not overwhelming but more than I like).

Good with the food but not enough cut or high tones to compliment.

Brought; price unknown.

1999 Dom. Savoye, Morgon “Cuvee Speciale Fut de Chene”:

A ton of cut, a very young-pinot-like profile on the nose and palate, and pretty tight, all things considered. What is revealed is food-friendly and clean; what is lurking is complexity, fruit concentration and acids yet to form its own message. A developing wine with fine credentials for tonight’s supper and better prospects for the future. Well made.

Very highly recommended for those with patience (best guess, 3-10 years).

About $15, delivered.

Best, Jim