Steven Spielmann
Steven Spielmann
Eric Nicolas Domaine de Belliviere Coteaux du Loir Vielles Vignes Eparses 2004. Second encounter with this wine in this vintage; this bottle is more tame than the previous. Very chenin with an exquisite version of the beeswax thing you get in Savennieres and just a hint of cheese. I liked it cool. Somewhat on the rich and concentrated side; despite this a good wine which will age a while longer, although this particular cork was in dubious shape.
Thierry Puzelat Touraine KO: In Cot We Trust 2005. More Puzelat and less Malbec than my previous stab at this, but still good wine. Spicy and racy with white pepper, Touraine limestone, and good acid. Puzelat and Nicolas are both roll the dice winemakers for me, with high highs and low lows; for my palate and wallet Puzelats a better bet for less money in general. But, in this case, each of these vignerons delivered a balanced, down-the-middle version of one of their quintessential experiences, so no complaints.
Adam Hazeldine Babich Marlborough Pinot Noir 2006. Not great, but basically balanced, and this is the only 14% ABV pinot noir Ive ever been able to get down my throat for more than a few sips, so thats saying something at least. It tasted like pinot and even had a bit of spice. Lacked the odd NZ fruitiness but did have a kind of acidity I associate with NZ to back up the heft. Might even keep a while. But, whatever.
Thierry Puzelat Touraine KO: In Cot We Trust 2005. More Puzelat and less Malbec than my previous stab at this, but still good wine. Spicy and racy with white pepper, Touraine limestone, and good acid. Puzelat and Nicolas are both roll the dice winemakers for me, with high highs and low lows; for my palate and wallet Puzelats a better bet for less money in general. But, in this case, each of these vignerons delivered a balanced, down-the-middle version of one of their quintessential experiences, so no complaints.
Adam Hazeldine Babich Marlborough Pinot Noir 2006. Not great, but basically balanced, and this is the only 14% ABV pinot noir Ive ever been able to get down my throat for more than a few sips, so thats saying something at least. It tasted like pinot and even had a bit of spice. Lacked the odd NZ fruitiness but did have a kind of acidity I associate with NZ to back up the heft. Might even keep a while. But, whatever.