DaleW wrote:

> I was cooking, and banned Betsy from the kitchen. I managed to turn out
> a decent ****aladière, and a good salad. I thought Provence rosé or
> Beaujolais with the ****aladière, but what was in my hands as I came
> back from basement was the 2004 Clos Roche Blanche Gamay (Touraine).

Now, Dale, it would only have been fair for Betsy to ban _you_ from the
cellar! I wonder what she would have chosen for the meal :P

> I've liked this wine in past vintages, but have never done the
> cartwheels that others have. This fits the pattern. Nice bright
> strawberry and raspberry fruit, a pleasant whiff of herbs, with just
> the faintest hint of minerals on the finish. Good acidity, a nice clean
> friendly wine to enjoy on the patio with a light meal. A good wine and
> a good deal at about $10, but not a wine I clamor for . But not every
> wine needs to be. B

Joe Dressner was heard to comment about this wine that it "needs more
manganese" -- sounds similar to your take ;-)

Mark Lipton