Domaine du Prieure Savigny Les Beaune Blanc, 2011

The label mentions pineapple and mango, tropical fruit traits that are ordinarily found in warm climate, New World Chardonnays rather than white wines from Burgundy. At first I detect mostly citrus and honey dew melon, but as the wine warms in the glass, the pineapple and mango smells and flavors are dominant. Everything is clean and clearly focused, though, with a long finish.

Trimbach Alsace Riesling, 2012

Trimbach has some of the best Riesling vineyards in Alsace. The Clos St. Hune and the Cuvee Frederick Emile bottlings are classics...and priced accordingly. But the regular Trimbach Riesling, which sells for $15 to $25 a bottle, is also excellent. My advice is to buy as much as you can afford. There are very few Chardonnays in this price range that offer as much complexity and character.

Deep yellow color. Has the classic petroleum smells plus yellow stone fruits. Oh so rich and intense, and it gets better from minute to minute. Singing on the second night. The Trimbach Riesling made my Top 10 of 2016 and will probably be on my list against in 2017.

Keenan Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 1979

The grapes for this wine come from Silver Mountain, and the high quality was apparent even in the early 1980s. It got high marks from Parker, and the original price was $17.49--outside of my price range at that time. But the sale tag from Russo's in Grand Rapids reads $8.99, and for that price, I bought several bottles. They have aged remarkably well; I wish I had more.

Very deep, bluish, almost opaque. And a great deal of crusty sediment. Beautifully aromatic from the first pour. Spicy, oaky but good blackberry and currant fruit. Even at 38 years of age, this wine has substantial tannin and acid to carry its beautiful Silver Mountain fruit.

Chateau Poujeaux Moulis-en-Medoc, 1985

I bought this wine at a Chicago Wine Company auction for a ridiculously low price but was nevertheless a bit disappointed by it in the late 1990s. It is now showing its true colors--which are very bright indeed.

Somewhat brickish color, particularly compared to the Keenan Cabernet opened at the same time. At first it seems light by comparison but develops remarkably after about 45 minutes of aeration. Leaning toward the herbaceous spectrum. Black currant with some green overtones. I usually don't like those traits, but this wine carries them quite well.  Beautiful intensity on the mid-palate and finish. Cherries and herbs. Displays the elegance that the Keenan Cabernet beside it just can't match.

Domaine Pegau Cuvee Reservee Chateauneuf du Pape, 1989

Donna and I spent Thanksgiving by ourselves (the troops are arriving tomorrow!) but we had plenty of good food and wine to keep us company: crusted rack of lamb with Tuscan bread pudding, roasted potatoes, chocolate pecan pie topped by  creme fraiche...and a glorious bottle of 1989 Domaine Pegau Cuvee Reservee. I remember tasting this 1989 vintage with Laurence Feraud at the estate back in 1991 or 1992. She told me it would age well, and it certainly has.

The color is still deep and bright. And the bouquet is fabulous: cherries, strawberries on a backdrop of black licorice. What is affectionately known among fans as the "Pegau funk" is present but not as strong as in some previous bottles I have had. Actually, very clean and smooth on the palate. Rich in the middle, ripe and long on the finish. This may be the best bottle of the 1989 I have had.

I am thankful for my family, of course. And I am thankful for being able to enjoy good food and great wine.

Costa di Bussia (Tenuta Arnulfo) Barbera d'Alba, 2010

Costa di Bussia has become my favorite Barbera d'Alba, and I have been buying a few bottles each year in an effort to determine optimum aging for my taste. This 2010 has always shown well and is now beginning to show some development. I would expect even greater improvement over the next two or three years.

Bright ruby. Has classic Piedmont scents: black and red cherries with undertones of black licorice. Very inviting. Great range of flavors. Great acidity and enough tannin to maintain balance. Has the freshness to be an every day wine but enough intrigue to accompany serious dining.

I just bought four bottles of the 2015 Costa di Bussia for $12/bottle. Looking forward to giving it a try soon.

Tasters' Guild/American Wine Society Wine Dinner at Kitchen House, Richland, MI

I have been to many good wine dinners, but this event has to rank near the top for me. Kitchen House regularly serves some of the best farm-to-table food in the area, and the dishes tonight were particularly well conceived and well executed.

Bruce Bruckman of Kobrand presented a full range of wines from Masi Agricola--unique, exciting wines and well matched to the food. I have not had much experience with wines from Valpolicello. I learned a lot while enjoying great food and great wine. My notes follow below.