dinner wine. again, i have had the 2005 and 2007 vintages of this wine. currently the 2007 is available but i am tasting the 2005 tonight. dinner is red beans with celery, onions, garlic, and red peppers with spicy turkey sausage over brown rice - this meal has some heat and smoke.

not all wines will show well with this combination. a 2002 cote d'or would be a really eclectic pairing. another nice option might be a big california zinfandel. following the southern rhone beginning the choice is domaine la bouissiere gigondas 2005. i have several notes for this vintage as well as the current tasting and notes for the 2007.

this starts with an aroma of red cherries. this has spicy currants and red fruits with plenty of tannin and well balanced acidity. the finish is pure graphite with a hint of tobacco. it has been fun watching this wine mature over the last 2 years since i first cellared it. based upon the tannin i think it still has a couple of great years in it.

comparing the 2007 and the 2005 shows the strength of the fruit and consistency of this producer. as a younger wine, the 2007 is quite fruit forward but has all of the same elements of the older wine. decanting of both wines softens the tannins and allows the structure to mature.

these are wonderful wines by a consistent producer. i am not sure how i missed the 2006 but it clearly is my loss. the 2007 is great now decanted or could last in the cellar for several years; the 2005 has time left in it but is clearly at a peak.

wonderful wines, an execellent option at home or from an enlightened wine list. decanting opens them up. matt