Paul Jaboulet Aine Crozes-Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert, 1995

This 1995 Thalabert has lived four additional years in the same cellar as the 1999 we drank on May 26. of this year.  Yet tonight it is showing at least four years younger than the highly rated 1999. I purchased (and cellared) both on release.

Good deep Syrah color with minimal amber at the edges. Beautiful fruit-filled bouquet from the moment the cork is popped. Black currants, cassis, lavender and a savory touch of black olives on the finish. Characteristic Northern Rhone acidity,but it's the fruit that is stealing the show right now. Only a few premature glimpses of the well aged Thalabert personality that I love so much. With all due respect, Mr. Parker, this is a better, more ageworthy vintage of Domaine Thalabert than your highly rated 1999. I have one more bottle of each and know which I will open first.

 

Ici la Bas Les Reveles Elke Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, 2009

I have had many bottles from many vintages (1996, 1997, 1998, 2006) of Ici la Bas It was made by the late Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat from grapes grown in Mary Elke's Donnelly Creek Vineyards. From vintage to vintage, it has always been excellent, confirming for me the high quality of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. This 2009 measures up to the high standard although this bottle at least may be nearing the end of its best drinking window.

Has lightened considerably since the last bottle, and the aromas are bit less intense, although still very good. Cherries, red raspberries, earth. Tannins have faded but acidity is carrying it and may continue to do so. Fine Pinot texture and body. Long, savory finish.
 

Bava Nizza Piano Alto di Crena, 2014

In 2013, this wine was labeled as Barbera d'Asti. But in 2014 the Nizza region was given its own AOC, giving the area the status it has long deserved. Persons who know Piedmont wines should know that Nizza has the ideal limestone soil and micro-climate for growing Barbera and, as a result, some very old and esteemed vineyards. Nizza means Barbera just as Barolo and Barbaresco mean Nebbiolo.

Intense, deep ruby red with only a sliver of amber at the rim. Has been aged for 18 months in large (1500 liter) upright tanks. This wine is aging beautifully. Equally intense aromas of black currants and cherries. Dark tones of licorice and pepper on the palate. Ripe tannins plus the characteristic acidity of Barbera. Sweet fruit upfront with a rich mid-palate and black fruited complexity on the finish.

 

Azienda Agricola PACE Langhe Nebbiolo, 2018

This Langhe Nebbiolo comes from vineyards in Canale, in the Roero appellation, across the river from Barolo and Barbaresco.

Medium deep color with characteristic orangeish tints. Has probably been made traditionally in large Slavonian oak barrels rather than barriques. A  bit tannic on the first night but opens up beautifully on the second night. Violets, rose petals, red cherries, black  licorice. Medium bodied and well textured Plenty of grip but flavors flow freely. Still young but no need to wait. What Nebbiolo is all about.

 

J-M Gerin Syrah La Champine, 2013

This Northern Rhone Syrah is just reaching the stage where the fruity flavors are beginning to evolve into savory ones. J-M Gerin is located in Cote Rotie, producing some very expensive wines that take those savory tones to their limit. This Syrah la Champine, though, is made with only a small quantity of estate fruit (from young vines) combined with grapes from IGP Collines Rhodaniennes. It's Gerin winemaking but not Gerin fruit and, as a result, is a relative bargain.

Still deep and dark with some bricking at the rim. Very expressive aromas--flowers, ripe black raspberries, anise. Savory notes of black olives with a hint of cured meats,  on the palate, qualities I love most about Northern Rhone Syrah and something rarely found in Syrah wines from the Southern Rhone or Australia. Acidity keeps it lively. Good wine.
  

Saumur Blanc Les Pouches, 2024

 Saumur is a good source for Loire Valley Chenin Blancc--generally drier than Vouvray and less expensive than Savennieres.  This Saumur Blanc is made by a cooperative, Cave des Vignerons de Saumur and sells for about $14 a bottle.

Light yellow, bright and clear. Beautiful aromas of white flowers, green apples and minerals. Straight out of the refrigerator, it's a bit tart. Let it warm for 20 minutes and you will be rewarded with rich flavors of lemon custard, melon and chalk. Pleasantly tangy, savory, salty. There is a lot to enjoy here.

 

Reserve Mont-Redon Cotes du Rhone Rouge, 2022

Chateau Mont-Redon is one of the top estates in Chateauneuf du Pape, making very long lasting red wines. The Reserve Mont-Redon label is for wines made from premium grapes purchased from nearby appellations of the Southern Rhone. This one is made primarily from Lirac produce, about 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah.

Deep and bright color. Enticing aromas, bright, fresh and already complex. Black as well as red fruits--raspberries, cherries. Medium bodied. Ripe fruit flavors, delicious right now but probably will gain depth and complexity over the next 5 yeaars or more. A very good Cotes du Rhone at a reasonable price. I paid $13.39 two years ago  at Saratoga Wine Exchange.