Diversity

[Florida Jim]

2003 Gessamí, Gramona:

There’s rain-water and chewing gum (not bubble gum) on the nose; similar flavors on the palate add white fruit with the texture of a quality Soave, good acidity, concentrated and agreeable balance; medium length. This is a seamless Spanish white wine with character and interest. Excellent accompaniment to crackers with spreads of red lentils, hummus and egg salad with olives and assorted raw vegetables. About $12, 11.5% alcohol from importer European Cellars.

2003 Dolium, Syrah:

This Argentine syrah weighs in at 14.5% alcohol and despite smelling and tasting of fruit and black pepper, the finish is too searingly hot for this taster. This was better at release (6 mos. ago) and seems to be showing more and more alcoholic heat with even this small amount of age. About $10.

1996 Domaine de Montgilet, Anjou Villages:

There is a distinct herbal edge to the black cherry, baking chocolate and spice nose, sometimes behind the fruit, sometimes in front of it; on the complex and powerful palate the fruit and tannin dominate and the herbal and spice notes are bit players; big and brawny in the mouth, perhaps better with grilled or sauced steak than the butternut squash and feta ravioli I had it with; concentrated, intense, bright, tannic, grippy and long; still several miles from it’s peak. The “Latour” of Anjou. A 13% alcohol, $20 Loire cabernet franc (on release) from European Cellars that will likely outlast me. Hold.

2002 Lynmar, Pinot Noir Quail Cuvée (375 ml):

Soft, black cherry, milk chocolate and gentle oak nose without much complexity; medium body, softly textured, unfocused flavors follow the nose, concentrated but disjointed giving the impression of being somewhat hollow at mid-palate; medium length finish. Not as impressive as the last time I tried it (two weeks ago) but clearly shows its Swan clone blend and may simply need time in the cellar. 14.3% alcohol and about $20 for the 375. Good with grilled veggies, ricotta salata and crusty olive bread but not perfect.

Best, Jim

Edited March 24, 2005 by Florida Jim (log)