Tasting Group Dinner - Miscellaneous Whites

Craig Vanderah's tasting group met at Oceanaire in downtown Minneapolis for a Sunday evening offline. The theme was whites that go well with seafood. We had a large group, which resulted in a fun and eclectic mix of wines from many different regions. The food was delicious and the restaurant took good care of us, and I think we should return there for future offlines. I was more focused on conversation than a critical evaluation of the wines, so my notes are a bit brief, and sans points this time. My WOTN was David McMahon's 2001 Lafaurie-Peyraguey - thanks Dave!

• NV Scharffenberger Brut

  USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County

  Sweet citrus and bubble gum flavors. The finish is dry and toasty. A bit one-dimensional, but pleasant and quaffable.

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• 2005 Torricino Greco di Tufo

  Italy, Campania, Greco di Tufo DOCG

  Deep, dark gold color. Nice floral nose. Thick, rich flavors of lime, honey, and oak. Medium to full bodied. The finish turns a bit woody and heavy.

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• 2005 Domaine Franck Millet Sancerre

  France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Sancerre

  Intense, zesty pear and lemon on the nose. The palate shows citrus and tropical fruit, supported by fresh, bracing acidity. Terrific freshness, balance, and depth of flavor.

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• 2005 Bucci Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore

  Italy, Marche, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore

  Very spicy and interesting. Lemon/citrus flavors and minerals, supported by refreshing acidity. Fresh and spicy. Long finish. Delicious stuff.

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• 2005 William Fèvre Chablis Champs Royaux

  France, Burgundy, Chablis

  I've had the 05 Champs Royaux many times, and I'm happy to report this wine is still going strong. Tropical fruit/pineapple and fresh citrus. Slatey minerality. Showing some oak. Good acidity.

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• 2003 Kongsgaard Chardonnay

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Dark gold color. The nose shows ripe bananas, apricots, and caramel. The palate is best described as Bananas Foster in a glass: caramel/milk, almonds, honey, and very ripe bananas. Weighty, but not heavy, mouthfeel. Long finish. An interesting showing for this wine. While this bottle was very tasty and not oxidized, based on my recent experience with the 2002, which was heading downhill fast, I predict this will begin to turn the oxidation corner in 6-12 months. Time to drink these up, IMHO.

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• 2004 Ramey Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  Second time I've had this. Remarkably different than the 04 Kongsgaard Chardonnay, tasted side-by-side (see TN). Ripe and sweet, showing spicy orange/citrus flavors. Very young. Creamy, thick mouthfeel with good supporting acidity. This bottle had much more prominent oak/vanilla than the one I tasted a year and a half ago.

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• 2004 Nichelini Family Winery Sauvignon Vert Joseph A. Nichelini Vineyard

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Chiles Valley

  Light color. Soft and ripe, showing sweet melon and banana flavors. Light spice / citrus.

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• 2004 Domaine / Maison Vincent Girardin Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Le Cailleret

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru

  Second time I've had this. Consistent with prior TN. Steely citrus flavors, with terrific minerality and acidity. Fresh and incredibly young. Delicious.

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• 2003 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

  Thick and ripe. Floral nose. Flavors of melon, orange peel, and tropical fruit. Thick and sweet, clearly from very ripe fruit. Slightly soapy/waxy mouthfeel. A touch of heat on the finish.

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• 2004 Verget Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Vieilles Vignes des Minots

  France, Burgundy, Chablis, Chablis 1er Cru

  Second time I've had this. Zesty, intense lemon flavors, supported by stony minerality and big acidity. Tight and young.

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• 2004 Merryvale Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard

  USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

  Creamy, sweet citrus fruit/lemon curd. Ripe and spicy. Initially tasty, but turned very oaky with some time in the glass.

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• 2006 J. Rochioli Sauvignon Blanc

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  A really pleasant surprise. Lime/slate on the nose. Intense lemon/citrus flavors, with a hint of grassiness. Refreshing acidity and minerality. Very well balanced. Really impressive stuff.

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• 2001 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  From half bottle. Really delicious stuff. Rich medium gold color. Complex layers of petrol, orange marmalade, orange rind, caramelized sugar, and honey. The petrol/diesel character really shone through after some time in the glass. Really well balanced. Terrific acidity. Somewhat more advanced than I was expecting (perhaps because of the smaller format?) My WOTN.

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