Some new tasting notes From Nicolas
Fritsch 2007 Gruner Veltliner Steinberg - this is really starting to come into its own, fresh, salty minerality. Really a pleasant and bright wine. This should be a star when the weather turns a bit warmer.
Franck Peillot 2007 Roussette de Montagnieu - this has become my go to white wine of late. It has consistently displayed very appealing citrus fruit aromas and flavors and is extremely friendly in that it serves well as both a causal sipping wine or a fine compliment to a meal. Chilean sea bass, roasted chicken, a simple pasta dish. This wine is stunningly good and a great value. It is interesting but in 2007 this wine did not undergo a malolactic fermentation (it usually does) and I think the extra malic aspect gives it a lovely, fresh, snappiness.
Olivier Riviere’s 2007 Rayos Uva Rioja - this was the wine of the night. It has density and weight enough for people looking for a bigger wine, yet it packs itself into an elegant framework. This wine was juicy and delicious and people kept coming up to me for refills.
Roagna 2000 Barbaresco Paje - I’ve had a rocky relationship with this wine since we received it back in the fall, but on Thursday night this was up to form and really exceeded my expectations. Classic, feminine, yet powerful, this is quintessential in many respects: as a Barbaresco, for the cru of Paje, for the vintage, and as a house style. This wine, despite not having any appropriate food pairings available, showed incredibly well. I know it is pricey, but I think it is one of the few wines at this price point that warrants it.
