Huet, Vouvray, Clos du Bourg, sec, 2000 Not in a pretty stage right now or never was: mostly sherry on the nose with some hay and old quince, a very slight honeyed flower note. Rancio flavors come through on the palate, along with straw and linden tea, chamomile, but this feels 'off' to me, more similar to a grenache blanc than a chenin blanc, but without the substantial heft of those. Rather delicate and dilute tasting. 87-8 or so.
Le Ragose, Valpolicella, 1999 Bright cherry red. Straw flowers and lots of red fruits on the nose, which come out as red currants, pomegranite, and cranberry-cherry in the mouth. Good acidity and a tight, but short finish. Has the light touch of a Beaujolais, and although the label says this was treated ripasso, I just don't sense it. A good inexpensive ($12) weekday wine. B+/88
Conterno-Fantino, Langhe Rosso, 'Mon Pra', 1999 Deep black cherry colored. There's a slight floral lift to the mostly licorice and black cherry aromas. Medium-bodied with loads of black cherries and cooked Italian plums...perhaps some lilac that keeps it from getting boring. Substantial tannin is present and grips at the end where I'm getting some boysenberry as well. This blend of nebbiolo/barbera/cabernet is good, well-made, but then not overly complex either and would be better if it sold for $20 or so instead of $34. Interesting that I couldn't pick out any varietal characteristic of any grape and did not find the 'Italian dust' I usually find on many Italian reds. B+/89