Fourcas Hosten Haut Medoc Listrac, 1975

Yes, 51 years is a long time for a wine to be in a bottle, but this is one of the rare few that have made it that long in good shape. But 53 years is a long time for a couple to be married, and that marriage is doing even better. The 1975 Fourcas Hosten, served wih lamb shanks, proved to be a good anniversary wine.

On a small tasting pour, the color is medium light with amber creeping in from the edges. But on a full pour, it is almost opaque! Lifted bouquet with a touch of mint and herbs. Sweet Cabernet and Merlot flavors on a savory, slightly salty background. Not soft but no obstructive tannins. Red fruit acidity keeps it fresh and lively. 

1975 was a very backward vintage in Bordeaux and critics worried that the fruit would not outlast the tannins. As the Village Corner salesman told me,  this wine, selling for only $9.95, was an exception. "Just give it time," he said. And I did.
 

Carpe Diem Anderson Valley Chardonnay, 2019

This is my last bottle of Carpe Diem, and I think I seized the day fairly accurately. It has beautiful Chardonnay flavors but has deepened in color and beginning to show its age.

Medium deep gold. Showing a maturity that I like in a Chardonnay. Pear, citrus, flowers. Lively on the tongue with a fine array of flavors on the finish.Some Chardonnays are best at 3 to 5 years; some at 5 to 7 and a few (very few) will last 10 years or longer.  I rank this one in the mid-range and would gladly go back for more from a recent vintage
 

Trader Joe's Platinum Reserve Bersano Estate Nizza Lot 117, 2019

Nizza is Barbera at its finest. The appellation includes ony18 villages in Monferrato that was, according to the label, "the historic home of Barbera." Soil and climate are perfect, vines have a classic ancestry that defines Barbera. 

Dark ruby, bright and clear. Has been aged 30 months, at least 12 of which were in wood. From the aromas and flavors, I would say that some of the wood was new. Vibrant red cherry with leather tones. Layered flavors, nuanced and complex. Medium body, bright acidity. Silky texture. I bought this last year for $14.99; the 2020 vintage is now on the shelves for $15.99--still an excellent value.
 

Terramata Barbera d'Alba, 2017

This is the last bottle of a case that I bought on close-out for $60 at MegaBev (formerly Russo's) in Grand Rapids. At nine years of age it is showing no decline whatsoever.

Medium deep ruby. Dark cherries, anise, maybe a touch of vanilla. I believe this has seen some new oak but it is highlighting rather than dominating the smells and flavors. Medium deep body. Barbera acidity. Long ripe fruit finish.
 

Reserve del Puech Cotes du Rhone, 2022

Cotes du Rhone wines were eminently drinkable and affordable in the 1980s and 1990s. Times have changed and it is now hard to find a CDR for less than $15. I found this Reserve del Puech for $8.99 at MegaBev  (formerly Russo's) in Grand Rapids, and it satisfies my longing for the wines of yesteryear.

Medium deep ruby, bright and clear. 60% Grenache and it shows its face: strawberries, red raspberries, ripe cherries. 30% Syrah for color, body and weight. 10% Cinsault for that spicy, peppery flavor. Ripe enough to drink easily with no hard edges. Enough acid and tannin for structure and complexity. For the price, I should have bought more.
 

Kirkland Signature Cotes de Provence Rose, 2024

I usually think of rose wines as being a bit sweet. This one is definitely dry, less than 1 gram residual sugar, and delicious.

Light pink, bright and beautiful. Lovely aromas of flowrers and wild strawberries. 44% Grenache, 26% Carignan, 15% Syrah and 15% Vermentino grown by the Sumeire family who have been winemakers and growers in the Cotes de Provence since the 13th century. Pears, melon, minerals. Savory rather than sweet. Light body and crisp finish. Would be great on the deck on a warm summer day, but it is also a match for garlic tomato pasta in the dead of winter. I don't buy Rose often but this one is on my listl.

 

Greenwing Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, 2024

Goldeneye by Duckhorn is one of the best (and most expensive) Pinot Noirs from the Anderson Valley of California. At a lower level and price point Duckhorn is now offering this Greenwing Pinot from the Willamette Valley of Oregon. It is well worth a try, particularly at the $16 price now being offered by Plum Market online.

Deep ruby/violet--dark for a Pinot. Cherry, cranberry, cinnamon, earth, lemon zest. Medium body, smooth texture. Acidity even higher than I expected from the Willamette Valley. A great match for grilled salmon.