Yumsters

[Florida Jim]

1997 Howard Park, Riesling (Western Australia):

The label indicates 12% alcohol and that only free run juice was used.

I don’t get to say this very often – this wine was a unique and memorable experience. It smelled like mustard seed with just hints of fruit and mineral. It tasted of lime skin, white fruit, spice and very light earth tones. It was bone dry and never strayed toward the German model of the grape but it still had a focused richness which was but a single part of a complex, linear and arresting palate. The finish was long, clean, mouthwatering and complex.

Idiosyncratic, interesting, complex; take your pick. But this bottle only reinforces my belief that the most consistently authentic and age-worthy wines coming from Australia are rieslings. Thanks Michele.

2002 Clos de la Roilette (Coudert), Fleurie:

About the simplest way to put this is that this wine is currency at my house. You want to trade for something or buy it? Bring this wine. Diane loves it, I love it, and I almost don’t understand people who don’t. A delicious, long and wondrous future waits.

2003 Burgans, Albariño:

A bit sour right out of the bottle, it smoothes out over time and delivers ripe, white fruit flavors and a crisp structure in a thoroughly quaffable package.

1997 Paloma, Syrah:

At first blush, deceptively forward and simple but with air-time, both structure and complexity begin to show. Certainly, California in style (sans wood) but seems to have more layers than I would have expected. Maybe I opened this too early?!

And, a dinner with friends:

With Edamame beans as appetizer:

NV Marques de Monistrol, Cava Brut Selection Especial:

Wonderful, earthy bubbly with good sustain and a $6 price tag. This is no brainer juice.

With squash and corn soup:

NV Gazela, Vinho Verde:

Light, bright, slightly spritzy and ever so slightly sweet; and perfect with the dish. 9% alcohol – oh yeah!

With grilled duck breast and baby greens:

1993 Christian Clerget, Echézeaux:

At peak, with broad aromatics of black fruit and accents in the sauvage register; good depth and breadth of flavors, fairly well resolved structure and excellent textures in the mouth; with a long, very slightly drying finish. Superb wine, at peak and ideally suited for the dish. Thanks John.

With assorted aged cheeses:

1999 Jasmin, Côte Rôtie:

Yes, it’s a baby but it’s also a stellar beverage that shows, even now, its terroir and finesse as well as its depth of flavors and lightness of spirit; aromatic, distinctive, showing young and destined to be a truly great wine. No better example of the feminine side of the appellation exists.

Best, Jim

Edited August 12, 2005 by Florida Jim (log)

[Brad Ballinger]

2003 Burgans, Albariño:

A bit sour right out of the bottle, it smoothes out over time and delivers ripe, white fruit flavors and a crisp structure in a thoroughly quaffable package.

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I had a similar "sour from the get go" experience with a glass pour of Pazo de Senorans Albarino (no vintage given) a couple of nights ago. Mine did not smooth out over time, unfortunately.