Chateau Canon (Canon Fronsac), 1990

This 1990 Bordeaux from the satellite appellation of Canon-Fronsac, is past its prime but still drinking reasonably well.

Lots of amber in the color and not very bright. Smells are lively and pretty. Dark fruit. With a couple of hours of aeration, sweet Merlot flavors emerge. Not much acid, not much tannin at this stage and not very complex. Modestly priced wines from the 1980s and early 1990s probably did not have best conditions for transport and storage.
 

Elke Blue Diamond Donnelly Creek Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, 2013

I have had many excellent Pinot Noir wines from Mary Elke's Donnelly Creek Vineyard--the 2006 and 2009 Ici la-Bas and earlier vintages of this Blue Diamond. When Mary was selling out prior to closing shop, I was an eager buyer of this and her Boonville Barter.

Medium cherry red. Very aromatic--red cherries, flowers, a touch of licorice. Ripe fruit with enough acidity to keep it fresh and lively. Probably at its peak now, but I suspect, from past experience, it will stay there another three to five years, maybe longer.
 

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.