Rose from the South

Ok, start with a green gazpacho, then add a red and mix. A bit of turkey bacon and a real blue cheese flavor it up. Chill.

Pale rose from Aix en Provence. Nose of red fruits- strawberry and red raspberry. Taste carries through the fruit, with wonderfully balanced acidity and a long finish.

My sense is just perfection. I like Miraval "Pink Floyd" but this 2011 goes a step beyond. Also have some 2010 left, great contrast when tasted side by side.

St Cecile les Vignes

This is exactly why one needs to go beyond the Cru villages to really appreciate the wines. This one is not listed on the producer's web site. Labeling is a pure viognier.

Nice clear straw color. Nose is exceptionally floral and white fruit, but a hint of pepper. The taste has fresh fruits and again the white pepper. Balance and acidity are wonderful. The taste lingers on the palate as a wonderful long finish dominated by white pepper.

Simply a great wine but it only earns a cotes du Rhone label.

State store price is about $16.

This is going in as a daily option for white.

Napa cab revisited

This is beginning to really hit its stride. Over the last couple of years it has seemed a bit too fruity, although quite good. Last night I opened one for the first time in about a year- it is maturing.

Color is still dark, but there is a hint of separation at the edge of the glass. Aromatics are now more complex- cigar and cedar, black cherry, licorice, and subtle vanilla. Taste is balanced with nice fruit and tannin. Finish was long.

I liked this when I bought it, now I am glad I have enough cellared to watch it grow.

In Grenache We Trust

Beautiful ruby color. Red berry and pepper nose. Cherry vanilla palate. Balanced finish.

Great young California Grenache!

Overnight Transformation

Last vintage done by Marcel Lapierre before he was claimed by melanoma. This shows what well managed gamay can do. Overnight it became Pinot-like, easily could be confused with a delicate Chambolle-Musingny.

It was great last night, retasted this morning it was extraordinary.

And it is only 13 years old

So for the holiday I pulled out an older bottle to have at Spring Mill Cafe- but it still had its fruit.

Clefs d' Or is always great. I got a case of this 5 or 6 years ago at a Pa shop for $20/bottle. They did not know what they were selling.

Just getting a bit of brick in the color. Nose has fig, but red and black fruits and a bit of garrigue are in the background. Tannins are soft leading to a grand and balanced finish.

The point here is shopping. One does not always need to spend a lot to get a great and age worthy wine. Now I have to figure out when to open the last 2 bottles.

Gigondas

This is a favorite- they also make Chateau Vaudieu.

It is a bit of infanticide to open the 2009, but I had to try it (particularly after a week of call).

Inky purple. A nose of red and black fruit, with a background of smoked meat and maybe some smoked meat. The tannins are smooth, the acids well balanced, and just a hint of astringency on the end. It finishes in great balance.

This is a great wine and I look forward to it as it matures.