Huet, Paloma, Guiraud

Last night we had friends over for a casual dinner on the back patio. One of those great nights of food, conversation, and wine. I was instructed that my limit for the dinner was to open two bottles as it was a work night. It worked out just fine for four people on a Tuesday night. I need to remember that sometimes.

With Spicy Roasted Vegetable Soup:

• 2002 Domaine Huet Vouvray Demi-Sec Le Mont 92 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray

  Golden color. much more open than a couple of years ago, this bottle had really come out of its shell. Slightly sweet, but not overtly. The nose is more mineral driven but there is a lemon custard note on the palate. Got better with air. Nice acidity. Still plenty of upside on this wine.

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With Stuffed Shells and Fresh Garden Salad:

• 1999 Paloma Merlot 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

  Opened for air for a few hours. Once we started drinking, it still got better all night long. OMG, what a nose. Deep, earthy, complex layered earth, dark cherries, burnt wood. On the palate, this took a bit longer to get going, but then it was fantastic. Layered with dark cherries and earthiness. Actually, very right bank like. Ever so slightly on the thin side, if I had to nit pick. Really went well with food though.

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With Apple Crisp:

• 1996 Château Guiraud 89 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  Nice enough, but just shy of outstanding. Golden in color. Lovely nose of honey and apricots. Viscous. Needs a bit more of everything especially sweetness and acidity though. Slightly bitter on the finish. worked with well with an apple tart.

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