With corned beef and cabbage Sunday (two nights late), the 2004
Selbach-Oster Kabinett (according to Claude Kolm apparently there are 2
bottlings of this, the AP# of this one ends 024-05). White peach fruit
with an edge of kaffir lime, lots of concentration in a rather
sprightly wine, with deep mineral (slatey) notes on finish. Definitely
a buy more. B+

Tonight, with duck legs in a pinot noir sauce, celeriac/potato puree,
and spinach, the 1999 Jean Noel Gagnard "Morgeots" Chassagne-Montrachet
(from 375). Deep black cherry fruit, some earth and maybe just a hint
of barnyard. My last half of these, and man am I sorry to see these go!
B+

and, in the not really accurate notes (not that I really claim accuracy
on any notes!), just impressions category:

Having even less sense than usual, I went to a store tasting on my
way to the 1986 Bordeaux tasting yesterday (I had to make a stop in
Midtown east anyway). Louis/Dressner Imports had a large number of
their growers visiting Crush, the nice new wine store on 57th. I
stopped in for a few moments, and managed to taste quite a few (I
skipped the ones like Pepiere Muscadet, CRB Sauvignon, etc. that I
already own or have tasted, no need to be greedy - or at least
greedier).

First wine I tasted was the 1999 I Clivi di Ferdinando Zanusso "I Clivi
Bianco 'Brazan' " (Friuli). Really lovely blend of Tocai F. and
Malvasia, grower (Mario Zanusso) said for very old vines. Clean,
rainwatery, fresh and deep. Nice concentration, nio hint of oak. But
like many Friulian wines I am a bit hesitant about the price, $37.99

2004 Pinon "Tradition" Vouvray
Not a blockbuster, but a very nice sec-tendre Vouvray with aromas of
wax and honeysuckle. Nice acidity, good value ($16.99).

2004 Closel "Clos du Papillon" Savennieres
Very nice, though I think I liked the 2002 better. There was also a
sweeter Savennieres from Domaine du Closel, the 2002 Coteaux, that I
didn't find very appealing.

2004 Bernard Morey "Morgeot" Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru
Good apple and citrus fruit, nice acidity,but the oak sticks out a bit.
Probably just needs time, but there are lots of other good white Burgs
out there.

then reds:

2004 Texier Cotes du Rhone
I generally have liked Texier's wines, but the basic CdR has never
impressed, and this one doesn't either. Not bad wine, just dull to my
palate.

2003 Bois de Boursan "Cuvee Felix" Chateauneuf du Pape
This has lots of ripe '03 fruit, but it's not roasted and its not
flabby. Dense, concentrated, complex, but at $75 way over what I
spend on Grenache.

2004 Franck Peillot Mondeuse
Very different, very good. Prickly in a good way, I'll buy at $18

2004 Pierre Breton "Les Galichets" Bourgueil
Very pleasant Cab Franc, although there's just a touch of greenness. I
think would be much better with food.

2004 Clos Roche Blanche
Sheet says Cabernet, but I could have sworn I had a Cot. I liked
whatever the hell it was!

2004 Cascina 'Tavijn Grignolino d'Asti
Only my second Grignolino. Seems like a cross between Gamay and Pineau
d'Aunis- strawberry fruit with some spice. Very light-colored,
seemingly light-bodied, but with a sense of structure (and very good
acidity).


Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent
wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't
drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no
promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of
consistency.