I went to a holiday dinner sponsored by a local wine shop last night. We started the evening with: Domaine Bott Geyl Cremant d' Alsace "Paul-Edouard" Brut-a bit fruity a simple with predominant flavors of slightly oxidized apples finishing with a soft mousse. B-/C+
Domaine Bott Geyl Pinot Gris Sonnenglanz GC 2005-more residual sugar than I prefer and not a great match for the seared scallop dish. Fairly sweet with apricot and pear notes. Soft on the finish and just a bit short on acidity. B-
2004 "La Palazetta" Brunello di Montalcino-first glass was corked. Second showed pronounced woody flavors, a bit of cherry and asian spice. B-2007 Domaine la Guintrandy CdR Village Visan VV-aroma of Luden's cherry cough drop. Fairly heavy on the palate with black cherry and a bit of black dirt minerality. "B-"
2004 Mauro Veglio Barolo Vigneto Arborino-Somewhere between new and old style. A bit fruit forward on the nose with a bit of tar and roses. Upfront red berry and currant with a fairly soft tannin finish. Seemed to be lacking acidity. "B"2007 Bodegas Campo Negro Malbec-Black in the glass. Black currant, black coffee and black licorice. Kinda black. "C+"
2008 Bricco del Sole Moscato-soft, sweet and frizzante. A bit of peach and pear fruit not my cup of tea for a finisher. "C-"I had more fun chatting with old friends than I did enjoying the wines but nothing was horrible and except for the Brunello and the Barolo everything was at or below $20 USD.