More notes

[Florida Jim]

1999 Saint Innocent, Pinot Noir Seven Springs Vineyard:

Aromas of celery, blackberry and cola with a hint of spice; the same flavors with some chocolate added, appealing texture; very tannic, drying finish. This wine is not ready and has one of two fates; either it will resolve in 6-10 years or dry out completely. In any event, today is not the day to decide.

2000 Raveneau, Chablis Forêt:

Forêt is a lieu-dit at the southern end of Montmain, a premier cru vineyard on the left bank of Serein River with rounded slopes facing south and south-east. It is also, in the right hands (eg. Raveneau, V. Dauvissat, etc.), a vineyard that produces grand cru quality wines. And this is one of them. It starts out crisp with a steely mouth-feel; bright, ripe fruit; intensity to burn and ample depth to mature and develop for a decade. Along the way are complexity, freshness, focus and character. Drink a great wine today; a greater one in five (or more) years.

2000 R. & V. Dauvissat, Chablis La Forest:

(From the same vineyard as the foregoing wine despite the different spellings); detergent and fruit nose; more aggressively steely than the preceding wine with lemon-drop/mineral flavors, excellent concentration and intensity; powerful acidity on the finish. Not as ready as the Raveneau but every bit the quality.

2001 Hirtzberger, Riesling Smaragd Singerriedel:

Layered, seamless, harmonious, supple, bright and classy; still quite youthful and developing secondary character only with time in the decanter yet sublime at first pour. One of a handful of sites (and producers) worldwide that do riesling this well. Years to peak . . .

1999 G. Robin, Crozes-Hermitage Albéric Bouvet:

Character driven, fruit filled, complex and yummy, as always. Thanks John.

Best, Jim