Thanks Lyle

[Florida Jim]

A tip of the cap to Lyle Fass for these suggestions:

2004 Terres Dorées (J.P. Brun), Fleurie:

Charming raspberry and floral nose; structured and not yet integrated on the palate with flavors that show red fruit and spice, good concentration and balance with the beginnings of a very pretty texture; medium length finish. 12% alcohol and, given a year or so, clearly one of those “go to” wines in my cellar. ‘Best of all, so utterly Fleurie as to be unmistakable.

2004 Ottaviano Lambruschi, Colli di Luni Costa Marina:

Made from 30 year old vines of 100% hand harvested vermentino that never sees wood, 13.5% alcohol from the Liguria region of Italy (I also recently tasted a vermentino from Sardinia and, although it was good, it was not in the same league as this one). Above all else, the impression this wine leaves is that of freshness. It is complex on both the nose and palate with just picked green chilies, apples, peaches, fresh cut herbs and floral scents and flavors, very concentrated and focused, bright acidity, a satin texture and a finish that lasts and lasts. Also, on the finish there is a combined note of citron and fresh green chili (not the heat, just the chili flavor).

I don’t think (but don’t know) this is made for long or even medium term cellaring but it is a world class wine and one of the most distinctive whites I have tried. Superb!

Best, Jim