2005 Karthäuserhof Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg Riesling Kabinett
Spritzy on opening. Apple and slate aromas, the sweet fruit dominates the structure right now but on the 2nd day the wine seems crisp and more balanced, and I think bodes well for the future. Very fine and pure. I'm glad to own some of the '04 Karthauserhoff Kabinett which has less baby fat and is more fun to drink right now.
2005 Hubert LaPierre Moulin-à-Vent Vieilles Vignes
Vinous and fresh gamey fruit, very good body and structure, almost Burgundian, complex and layered with hints of earth, black fruits and good acidity. This is ripe but not overdone. Benefits from an hour or two of air, and a candidate to cellar. I ordered more of this one.
2005 Domaine Robert Perroud Côte de Brouilly "La Fournaise du Perou" Vieilles Vignes
Restrained nose of spiced cherry, a hint of bread dough, very silky, seemless palate. It has lively acidity and some tannins, but everything meshes together so well that nothing sticks out. Really a joy in the mouth. Should improve over the short term but very enjoyable now, I ordered more of this one too.
2005 Domaine Robert Perroud Côte de Brouilly "La Fournaise du Perou" Vieilles Vignes
2nd bottle was consistent with the first and delicious. A little more fruit shows up when served at cellar temp.
1999 Château de la Ragotière Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie 1er Cru
This apparently spends 31 months aging on lees, which gives the wine a lot of complexity. This started out very interesting with a layered nose of apricot, an oxidized note of nuts, some other tropical fruit, and a lively palate that was rich but with good acidity and minerals. Long persistent finish. The first glass was the best, though. As the wine opened, a prominent new oak vanilla marshmallow flavor developed, which was annoying.
2003 Frank Peillot Roussette du Bugey Altesse de Montagnieu
Lush forward fruity nose, quince paste and even some pineapple, with acacia flowers following. Rich palate with a lot of dry extract that is held together by a streak of acidity. Lots of minerals, chalky finish. This is drinking very well now. I think one of the most successful '03 whites I've tried. Great with grilled scallops.
2004 Evesham Wood Pinot Noir Eola Cuvée
This started out a little soft and sweet initially, but became more complex with firmer acidity with air. There is some oak spice together with good pinot red berry fruit. Easy drinker, but with some aging potential, especially if the oak integrates a bit. Good value for $17.
Cheers,