Ah, Summer. That season of heat-bugs-and humidity, what's not to love? Except it plays havoc on what to drink in 90-degree heat and the lighter foods we tend to cook during the season. Some recent tipples:
Bloomer Creek Vineyard, White Horse red, Finger Lakes, 2008
A cheer-y red color. Savory nose of smoked meats and herbs. At 12% alcohol, not overdone at all and rather elegant, a wine of it's very much of it's place and something you would be hard pressed to find in California. No 'Cheval Blanc', this blend of cabernet franc and merlot at $22 won't fool anybody looking for the real white horse, yet this light-to-medium bodied wine is not bad at all, refreshing acidity with a finish of tobacco leaf and dried plum. B+
Clos Cibonne, Cotes de Provence, Tibouren Rosé, 2010
The basic rose from Cibonne. This has a very pale copper-sallow pink wash for a color. Lime rickey, herbal wash, stony finish. Decent, but I enjoy the Cuvée Spéciale des Vignettes better, which carries more gravitas and being (along with a heftier pricetag). If tasted blind from a black glass, I'd swear this was a refreshing Mediterranean white, rather than a rose. 13% B+
Jean-Paul Thevenet, Morgon, 'vieilles vignes', 2009
Slightly volatile upon opening. There is deep plum here, berry fruit, almost zinfandel-like but without the obvious jam. Feels simple, yet I feel will age well enough based on it's masculinity. B+
Peter Lauer, Ayler Kupp, Riesling, 'Fass 2', 2011
Bright acidity, hop wash, and linden with muscat-like aromas and flavors. Delicate in feel and very tactile on the finish. 13% alcohol does become noticeable after a glass, but this is quite good. B+/A-
Alice Bonaccorsi, Etna bianco, 'Val Cerasa', 2009
Brassy gold colored. Bitter almonds, pear, quince...slight Aqua Velva, with bracing acidity and cut. Mineral finish. Has the unique ability of smelling more substantial than it really is on the palate: the nose suggest southern Rhone but the palate delivers excellent Soave or verdicchio. All Carricante. 13% A-