Good wines

[Florida Jim]

With crackers and cheese:

1996 Trimbach, Clos St. Hune:

The big surprise was how open it is (although not fully); a stony, floral, white fruit and leafy nose that was restrained but ample; serious cut on the palate but not out of balance with harmonious layers of flavor that exponentially expand on the elements of the nose and superb length. A racy, streamlined Hune rather than the more opulent ’98 (for example). Imported by Seagram Chateau and Estate.

With grilled beef tenderloin, medium rare and baked potato:

1999 Verset, Cornas:

As expected with a wine this young, an initial one dimensional nose with ash-tray and olive predominant, it opens to ripe plum and other black fruit aromas and some provocative Cornas funk; much more open on the palate and although clearly syrah, upon first sip I might have guessed Hermitage for its density and integration, well concentrated, became more complex with air but had excellent balance from the start; a long, fleshy finish. Sure to improve with a few years of aging but not shabby now, especially with the food. Imported by Kermit Lynch.

Best, Jim