An evening with friends

Last night, my wife and I were invited to our friends home for dinner. It was just the two couples and we sat out on their gorgeous back patio all night. It was beautiful summer evening that required no jacket but was not hot nor humid either. The food was great. I brought the wines (except the Apremont). Our friends like wine, but don't really pay attention to what they drink. I think they really did like what they were drinking last night. While we didn't talk wine a lot, it seemed they were getting curious. In any event, it was a great night of political discussion, family, travel and friends. We had a great time. As for the wines:

• 2013 Bernard et Christophe Richel Vin de Savoie Apremont 89 Points

  France, Savoie, Vin de Savoie Apremont

  Our hosts went to the local store and told them they were having wine geeks over for dinner and asked for a recommendation. I thought this was a cool selection. Not expensive, but certainly, out of the ordinary. I was impressed that the supermarket carried this. Light gold in color. The nose has nice minerality with some peaches. On the palate, this is refreshing. Nice minerals, some peach flavors. Good acidity. Drinks well with food. Well done all around.

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• 2007 Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas Valbelle 93 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas

  We actually opened this on Friday and I poured a glass. Then I realized our host's name on Saturday was Val, so I recorked this and stuck it in the fridge. I took it out and let it warm for a couple of hours before serving on Saturday. It drank quite well (many better than Friday). A nose of black raspberries, raspberries, black pepper, clay and spice. On the palate, there is black raspberries, black pepper and a nice layered complexity. Nice acidity. Long finish. This is a big wine, but not over done. It is pricey, but drinks as well or better than most CdP's.

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• 2013 Sineann Gewürztraminer Resonance Vineyard 91 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  I wonder it this will be the last year for this too as Resonance now belongs to Jadot. Will keep these vines? At least they let Peter get these grapes in 2013. Compared to a 2013 Sineann Celilo Gewurtz a few weeks ago, this is more classic in style. The nose has nice lychees with minerals. Medium bodied. Silky texture. Ripe stone fruit on the palate, slightly tropical. Nice acidity. Goes well with food.

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• 2008 Jonata Winery El Alma de Jonata 94 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley

  This was pop and pour and really should have been decanted. It took some time to open up. The nose has dark cherries, cigar tobacco, and some plums. On the palate, this is complex as it unwinds in the glass. Layers of fruit with some earthiness. Full bodied. Great texture.

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• 2011 Jaffurs Syrah 90 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County

  This is their basic bottling. I think this was my first time trying this vintage. Its a bit thinner and less of everything than typical. For some that might be better, but not really for me. That said, it is still an outstanding Syrah. Purple/ruby in color. The nose has boysenberries, some charred wood and black pepper. Medium bodied. There is a strong streak of acidity here which worked well with the food. Nice boysenberry fruit on the palate. It was pop and pour which worked well but I wonder if it puts on weight with air.

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• 2002 Domaine des Baumard Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru 94 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru

  From a 375. This showed well on pop and pour. Our host who doesn't like sweet wine enjoyed this (had a second pour). Golden in color. The nose is pretty with apricots, burnt orange peel and minerals. On the palate, much of the sweetness has faded. Not quite dry, but just a perception of the sweetness that we there in its youth. It matched quite well with a peach cobbler.

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Thanks to Val and Ron. I hope we can do it again soon.