This opened to accompany heirloom tomato, mozzarella, basil, olive oil. A terrific bargain of a sparkler, very crisp with lime, a hint of strawberry, minerals, and a touch of honey. Lots of acidity with a shortish finish. I believe this was about $17 or so and is terrific if you want some simple bubbles.

Stuart loves this wine and has been drinking quite a bit at Slanted Door...it's a fun wine. Picked a little earlier than normal, no sulfur and aged in large oak casks. It's definitely a fun wine with somewhat simple grapey flavors but also has nice acidity, chocolate, pepper, and creamy blackberries. Not sure how this will age but a fun drink of wine now. It is $24 from Dashe. I think it would be more fairly priced at $15 or so.

There was much discussion around the table on this wine. Stuart felt it was still 15 years or so from being ready because of the tightly wound structure. I am not so sure it will ever come around. Smells of glycerin and acid with some briny olive/herb scented purple fruits underneath. ON the palate this is pretty one dimensional...all acid with some fruit lurking underneath. We saved half the bottle and will consume a glass a day over the next couple of days to see what happens...WILL IT EVER OPEN UP?

This compared to the Texier was pretty open. A very good wine that borders on outstanding and drinking very well. On the nose you have a little of that steminess, iron, game, smoke and dark fruit. ON the palate, saddle leather, blackberries, olives and a slight briny character. Medium length finish, with good acidity but still pretty plush. A yummy bottle of wine.