From 375. Big & modern St. Emilion, but not over the top. Blackberry
and black cherry fruit, some coffee and vanilla on the nose. Develops smoky notes with time,and there's a backdrop of earth. Tannins are still quite upfront, I'll hold on to my 750s for a while longer. Best showing yet for this for me. B+
2003 Francois Charles "La Combette" Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Beaune (rouge) This was a wine I didn't recall ordering, and later found out I hadn't (kudos to Chambers St, when I informed them of mistake even though I had already opened wine they credited me for it). Can't say I was very impressed- sharp cherry fruit, short finish. There's a tingly/tartness that I would guess (in my non-technical ignorance) might be the result of a poorly done acidification. Ehh. C 2004 Larochette-Manciat Macon-Morizottes A bit of a surprise, as I was expecting a rather light, crisp , snappy Macon. This plays more like a medium-bodied CdBeaune, with mineral underpinnings to rather rich golden pear/apple fruit. There's not a lot on the finish, but impressive wine for just under $10. B 1999 Domaine Dalicieux "Cuvee Janick" Moulin-a-Vent Bright strawberries and herbs on the nose, just a hint of cedary oak, sweet cherry and red plum fruit. Light but not insubstantial, gains complexity in the glass. There's a definite sweet edge to the fruit, but not in a heavy or jammy sense. Clean and pure, a pointe. B/B+Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.