Monthly lunch notes.

Predictably, we had a larger proportion of whites given the warm
weather.

2006 Rochioli Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley – green nose, tons
of acidity, then the nose picked up some nice fruit with a little time
in the glass. Very pleasant.

2004 Pommier Chablis 1er cru Cote de Lechet – an initial whiff of
coconut and lime changed fairly quickly to a straight citrus and
gravel nose. Quite full flavoured, with a nice clean finish. Good.

2002 Daniel Dampt Chablis 1er cru Cote de Lechet – a slight whiff of
papaya or other tropical fruit, and lots of mineral, quite dry. Not a
producer I am familiar with.

2009 Dom. Tempier Rose – I haven’t had this for quite awhile, yet it
stands out as one of the really nice roses available. Blended from
Mourvedre, Grenache and cinsault (had to look it up to be sure there
was no syrah) it is a light salmon pink with a berry nose (not a hint
of any Mourvedre ponginess) with a little spice, and a clean finish.
Very good!

2003 Spring Vale Pinot Noir (Tasmania) – herbal with green and nutmeg
hints, the nose was pretty good, but the green followed through on
palate. Lots of acidity in this and a bit of heat in the too short
finish.

2003 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir – well made wine with a slightly odd
peppermint and oak nose, as well as more conventional dark cherry and
hints of anise. A lively medium bodied wine with a smooth medium long
finish. I liked this.

1999 Perrin Crozes Hermitage – I hadn’t known that the Perrins did a
Crozes! Interesting nose with almost but not quite blood, with smoke
and fruit as well as burnt rubber. Medium weight, soft tannin.

1996 Turley Zinfandel Aida Vd. – dark wine with a warm nose of currant
and cocoa, raisiny in the mouth and a bit hot, with a very long sweet
finish. Good cheese wine. I like ageing these wines – some of them
are a bit overpowering when young but become interesting with age.

2003 Alabastro Reserva (Alantejano) – dark wine with a hot ripe nose
of sweet berries, and sweetness on palate. Pleasant, and more or less
in the same style as the previous wine. Both good with cheese.