1994 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
This showed well right out of the bottle and improved for the first hour or so. Classic nose of cedar, tobacco, a hint of leather and plum. Blackberry fruit in the mouth with medium body and refreshing acidity. Good length and some tannin remaining. I didn't notice any green notes. Not a blockbuster but highly enjoyable. I haven't tried all that many 1994s but this has to be a major success for the vintage.
2002 Cristom Pinot Noir Mt. Jefferson Cuvée
Tight, tight , tight. Only some volatile aromas and structure showing right now, the fruit is in hibernation. It didn't budge an inch over 4 hours. Hold.
2002 Overnoy Houillon Poulsard Arbois
This was dominated by brett, a big difference from the last bottle. It still had lovely balance and structure, but the wild strawberries were smoothered in barnyard funk. Bottle variation in no sulfur wines can happen, I guess.
2003 Flowers Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
Brought over by John. Very smooth glossy style pinot, no edges, dark ripe fruit and a hint of cola, sweet in the mouth, didn't notice the 14+ % abv. Some new wood but it seemed to be high quality and the oak flavors don't hit you over the head. Not my favorite style, but it is well made and everyone else at the table loved it.
2004 Domaine des Terres Dorées (Jean-Paul Brun) Beaujolais Blanc
Maybe as good as the 2002 version. This was its usual understated elegant self. Great purity to the flavors, apple, lemon curd, some wet stones, and good concentration. Is there a better $11 Chardonnay?
2004 Karthäuserhof Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg Riesling Kabinett
This was a starter wine for Thanksgiving and served with a Thai style pumpkin soup made with a little curry and coconut milk. The wine was crystalline pure with green crunchy apples, slate and minerals. Excellent balance tonight between the acids and sugar. Highly enjoyable.
2005 Domaine Filliatreau Château Fouquet Saumur
This had pretty typical Loire Cab Franc flavors. Dark berry fruit, some green leafiness, wet cement. A little blocky in the mouth right now, some cellar time should help. Enjoyed this, and would purchase again.
2005 Domaine Pascal Aufranc Chénas Vieilles Vignes de 1939
Banana candy nose, some juicy sappy red fruit underneath. I had trouble getting past the bananas.
2005 Vietti Moscato d'Asti
We finished Thanksgiving dinner with a couple bottles of this lightly sparkling Moscato. It was delicious, sweet pear and apple flavors, not overly perfumy. A good way to end the feast.