Friday, May 17, 2019

Domaine du Haut des Terres Blanches, 1994

Image result for domaine du haut des terres blanches 1994I have had two very disappointing bottles of the 1998 from Domaine du Haut des Terres Blanches, but this 1994 may be even better than the last bottle I opened a few years ago.

The color is a light brickish red. Grenache, which oxidizes early, is about 80% of the blend, and this is actually the strength of this Chateauneuf du Pape. A good portion of the Grenache comes from old vineyards in La Crau, one of the best areas of the appellation. The nose takes a few minutes to adjust to the 21st century but then becomes classic--menthol, dried cherries, herbs and sea salt. The flavors are beautiful from the first sip: intense, multi-layered with sweetish fruit and a long finish. Probably because of my negative experience with the 1998, this wine did not make the short list for my 80th birthday. But I'm sure it will be in line for #81.

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Chateau de la Roulerie Anjou Chenin Blanc, 2016

View product's larger picture. This picture will open within a viewer, which can cause accessibility problems.In recent years, most Chenin Blanc wines I have consumed were from Savennieres and well aged. I had almost forgotten how good Chenin Blanc can be when it's young.

Full yellow, clear and bright. Scents of white flowers, lemon, honey. Plenty of richness in the mouth but also zesty and clean. Makes all the taste buds stand up and pay attention. Silky texture. An exciting experience; wish I had bought more.

Friday, May 10, 2019

Rocca di Montegrossi Chianti Classico, 2016

MONTEGROSSI_chianticlassico_webThis is not a Super Tuscan; it has the specified grapes (90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo, 5% Colorino) and meets the other requirements for the Chianti Classico appellation. It is, however, from Tuscany and has super-wine qualities--power, concentration and flavor.

Deep and dark with purplish tints. The wine is obviously well oaked, but there is plenty of ripe fruit to back it up. The aroma has some pretty floral notes along with ripe cherry and dark berries. Deep, concentrated flavors. Good balance of tannin and acid.

This is a top-notch Chianti that is well worth its usual retail price of $18 to $20. It's on the wine list (by the glass or bottle) at Gusto Restaurant in Texas Corners, near Kalamazoo, MI, and we took advantage of the Thursday night 40% discount for bottled wine.