Vola Schiava Vigneti delle Dolomites, NV

This is a wine, new to me, that showed up last week on the shelves of my local Trader Joe's. The label indicated "red wine" but through the clear bottle it appeared very light, almost rose. I have had Schiava before and figured it was a good buy at $6.99. And it was.

Very light ruby. Magical scents of red raspberries, ripe strrawberries, spring flowers. And more of the same on the tongue. Donna likes white and rose wines to be well chilled so I put this in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. As an aperitif wine, it was very good at that temperature, but as it warmed through the meal, light tannins began to emerge, expanding the ripe, fruity flavors. This is not a wine for those who like them "big"; it is deliberately small and decidedly delicious.
 

Domaine de la Janasse Vieilles Vignes Chateauneuf du Pape, 1989

I was away from home on my 87th birthday, but this is the wine I had slated for that day, just as it was for 81st birthday in 2001. I opened it tonight, a few days late but no less great. The fruit comes from the estate's oldest vines, some planted in 1920 in the esteemed, stone laden Crau area of Chateauneuf. 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 3% Mourvedre, 2% other grapes.

Light color, as to be expected. Mature Grenache scents of strawberries (dried and fresh), mint, a touch of cinnamon. Takes its time opening up but no disappointment. Compact, concentrated red berry fruit. Savory, salty tones with acidity that keeps it lively on the tongue. Oh, I do love well aged Chateauneuf du Pape, and this is a prime example
 

Beauregard Ducasse Graves Blanc, 2024

When a friend who had traveled to Australia mentioned how much she liked Semillon as a white wine choice, I realized how rarely I see Semillons in my marketing area. This wine, selling for less than $10 at Trader Joe's, is 50% Semillon and 50% Sauvignon Blanc, and it may come close to offering what she likes.

Medium gold with some green glints. Peaches, beeswax, canteloupe and fig. Has the mellow attack and rich texture of Semillon, none of the aggressive acidity of Sauvignon Blanc. If you like Semillon, you will enjoy this wine.  Graves is a premium appellation for white Bordeaux and wines from this area rarely sell for less than $15.

 

Vietti Nebbiolo Perbacco, 2011

I was disappointed with this 2011 Perbacco when I tasted the first pour. It was good but not the complex Nebbiolo that I expected from the highly respected Perbacco. I soon discovered that the hour and a half of aeration I had given it was not quite enough. By the end of the meal, it was singing.

Mediuum deep ruby. Proabbly has had some time in barriques but not enough to spoil the wonderful scents and flavors of Nebbiolo. Dried fruits and flowers, some toasted oak. Dark cherry but also some red raspberry, mint, spice and dark licorice tones. All of this is hidden behind tannin in the early going but opens up with airing, as to be expected from good Nebbiolo. This is a fine baby Barolo, usually selling for $25 to $30.
 

Courtois La Source Cotes du Rhone, 2021

Although "La Source" is a simple Cotes du Rhone, sold at CDR prices ($12 to $14), the Jaume family's vineyards are in Vinsobres, which is a designated CDR cru village. It is 85% Grenache, 15% Syrah.

Bright ruby. Black raspberries, boysenberries, dark tones of peppercorn and black licorice.  Fresh fruit and approachable tannins coupled with the complex savory qualities of a top Southern Rhone. Fills out substantially on the second night and even the third. Good now, will get even better.

Domaine de la Roquete Chateauneuf du Pape, 2006

I am amused to think that this bottle is now in its 20th year; yet I think of it as one of my "young" Chateauneufs. I expect to open the 1988 Vieux Telegraphe for my birthday next week and know that the only surprises I will get will be positive ones.

The Brunier brothers of Vieux Telegraphe bought this estate in the early 2000s because they liked the old vineyards on the Plateau of Pielong. The soil is sandier than that of Vieux Telegraphe and, as a result, produces wines that are more accessible early. As stated on the label, the Bruniers' "priority is to express the character of the local terroir."

Good Chateauneuf color, bright and relatively dark. Has some sediment crust on one side; it has not been fined or filtered. 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre. Dark cherry, raspberry with a touch of menthol and garrigue. Strong fruit presence with a youthful edge but also the savory traits that I love in Chateauneuf du Pape. Great concentration and depth. 

 

E. Guigal Cote Rotie Cote Brune et Blonde, 1990

This is mature Northern Rbone Syrah at its best. Even from a 375 ml bottle at 36 years of age, it is drinking beautifully.

The color has lightened, of course, with brickish tones. And the smells and flavors are tertiary. Red and black fruits, savory, salty, meaty. Proper acidity: cured meats and grilled tomatoes. Light in body with a cool, silky texture. Nuanced flavors that keep growing through the meal. During my birthday month, I am drinking cellar treasures, and this is by far the best I have had so far.