From the recent past.
Willi Scaefer, Graacher Domprobst, riesling-K, 2011
Not showing a lot, but full of Mosel linden flower and lime blossom, very floral, if simple, but pure and crystalline. Acidity is not razor-sharp, but enough to balance the sugar here. Good. 8.5% B+
Charles Joguet, Chinon, 'Clos de Chene Vert, 2003
I know this producer seems to be out of fashion these days, but, so wot? This is excellent stuff! Autumnal nose of dusty and darkish fruits on the nose, but then becomes red-fruited on the palate: red fruits being sucked through a Pixie straw, very smooth and polished but with the hint of country gentleman wearing his tweed coat to the city. Humidor tobacco on the finish, with morbier-like ash notes, smooth tannins and impeccable balance. Ripe year Loire gives this a richer dimension, which I like. 14% A/A-
Clos Roche Blanch, Touraine, Sauvignon no.5, 2011
Slight occulded look to the wine. Meyer lemon with herbal bath salt aromas, lemon pulp, tonic water with quinine, good acidity, but finishes up a bit short. Could be more "there" there. 13% B+
Colli della Murgia, 'Galetto', rose, N/V
What's this, you may ask? A perfect summertime quaffer, for sure, made from the noble aglianico grape, made with happy fizz bubbles to remind you you're not at work anymore. There is orange rind, hops, spice, and an amaro finish. Pleasant, fun, and simple. What more can we ask? 12.5% B+
Arnot-Roberts, Trousseau, Clear Lake, Luchsinger Vineyard, 2009
3 barrels made. Coppery, light maroon colored. Spice and floral scented tutti-frutti ice cream, this is more substantial in the mouth, with floral rind, a spice-filled finish and a gripping finish. Ever so slight hint of VA, or is that simply the slight fizziness that shows itself? Slight bit of warmth comes out, despite the stated 12.5% alcohol. Tastes of autumn forest at the floor level, herbally. Doesn't quite have the complexity of the Jura versions, but this will do. Rather expensive though (~$40) for what it is. B+
Bressan, Venezia Giulia, Schioppettino, 2004
Yeah, this guy is a racist, but I bought this (and this was made) before he started making inflammatory remarks. I should have bought more. Seems you don't see his wines around much anymore, as if they are being boycotted everywhere except in Italy. Anyway, at 10 years this is just singing. Macerated sour cherries, tobacco, dried cherry bark, with a sweet-musty dimension that feels that old Catholic churches. Medium in weight, and lowish alcohol. If only the man could simply shut his trap and just make wine. 13% A-