2006 Rhys Chardonnay Alpine Vineyard
Didn't have quite the density I recall from the 2004, this was nonetheless very, very convincing. So far, I have had much better luck with the Chardonnays than the Pinot Noirs. It's very rich, but it carries that richness well.
1996 Domaine des Baumard Savennières Clos du Papillon
This one was fresh, and incredibly young. Still light colored, it was filled with citrus and minerals, light on its feet and long.
2002 Maurice Écard Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Les Narbantons
Just barely approachable, with plenty left in the tank. A wee little bit funky, the acidity and tannin are still sticking out, but the underlying material is visible beneath. Lovely, aromatic, real Burgundy.
2009 Domaine de Beudon Petite Arvine - Switzerland, Valais
Really lovely. Has the broad feel of white Burgundy, regal but approachable now. No clue where it is heading.
2008 Monsecco Colline Novaresi Pratogrande
Real, authentic Nebbiolo. Excellent for the price ($19).
2009 Rhys Pinot Noir Skyline Vineyard
This was nice and approachable, but I confess I wasn't moved. Vintage surely has something to do with it; I was hoping for something approachable, to see what the fuss is about. The weight and texture really are lovely, but I couldn't see much mineral depth at this stage.
2010 Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Côte du Py Vieilles Vignes
OK, the structure finally showed up, and it is considerable. The fruit is there, too -- it's an intense, rustic black/blue fruited throwback. Very enjoyable at this stage, though I'm still missing the py-ety. Maybe it's the semi-carbonic folks who are confusing the terroir?
2008 Cantina Rigatteri Graffiante Isola dei Nuraghi IGT - Italy, Sardinia, Isola dei Nuraghi IGT
Nice, warm, and a little fuzzy. Nothing overdone -- didn't move me, but I liked it.
Didn't have quite the density I recall from the 2004, this was nonetheless very, very convincing. So far, I have had much better luck with the Chardonnays than the Pinot Noirs. It's very rich, but it carries that richness well.
1996 Domaine des Baumard Savennières Clos du Papillon
This one was fresh, and incredibly young. Still light colored, it was filled with citrus and minerals, light on its feet and long.
2002 Maurice Écard Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Les Narbantons
Just barely approachable, with plenty left in the tank. A wee little bit funky, the acidity and tannin are still sticking out, but the underlying material is visible beneath. Lovely, aromatic, real Burgundy.
2009 Domaine de Beudon Petite Arvine - Switzerland, Valais
Really lovely. Has the broad feel of white Burgundy, regal but approachable now. No clue where it is heading.
2008 Monsecco Colline Novaresi Pratogrande
Real, authentic Nebbiolo. Excellent for the price ($19).
2009 Rhys Pinot Noir Skyline Vineyard
This was nice and approachable, but I confess I wasn't moved. Vintage surely has something to do with it; I was hoping for something approachable, to see what the fuss is about. The weight and texture really are lovely, but I couldn't see much mineral depth at this stage.
2010 Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Côte du Py Vieilles Vignes
OK, the structure finally showed up, and it is considerable. The fruit is there, too -- it's an intense, rustic black/blue fruited throwback. Very enjoyable at this stage, though I'm still missing the py-ety. Maybe it's the semi-carbonic folks who are confusing the terroir?
2008 Cantina Rigatteri Graffiante Isola dei Nuraghi IGT - Italy, Sardinia, Isola dei Nuraghi IGT
Nice, warm, and a little fuzzy. Nothing overdone -- didn't move me, but I liked it.