Dinner wines:
2019 Jadot, Beaujolais-Villages - character without artifice; fruit without spoof and a backbone that’s the envy of every politician. Under $20 and more than worth it.
2019 Jadot, Macon-Villages - a bit sulfurous coming out of the bottle but that blows off and this broadens and lengthens. Again, no slight of hand; just solid, clear, energetic Chardonnay with out oak. At $12.50, a no brainer.
2017 Clos Cibonne, Rouge Cuvée Speciale Tibouren - reticent nose but good flavors and elements of earth and savory, along with intense fruit and great acids. Probably needs a little bottle age but is still quite lovely now. Thanks Monkey.
2017 Louis Michel, Chablis - Also could use bottle time but it’s so of its place and well made, I can’t keep my hands off. Vintage shows. Screw cap closure.
2018 Vajra, Nebbiolo Langhe - I prefer the Rosso from this producer with its lively, snappy approach - this is more reserved and serious. Still good wine but, at least for now, lacking energy.
2016 Fillaboa, Albariño Monte Alto - Single vineyard, 32 year old vines in sandy loam with river pebbles, native yeasts, stainless steel elevage. This competes with the Do Ferreiro, Cepas Vellas for less than half the price. Tight on opening but the concentration is evident and, by the end of the bottle, the oily textures come forward. Crisp, complex and still tightly wound. Needs aging - Filliboa says 1-5 years and I would opt for at least 5. But in the decanter now and served close to room temp, you sense what is latent. Special wine.
2013 Moccagatta, Barbaresco Broc Balin - overripe, somewhat pruney and soft - still, it works in a sort of Napa cab way. Not my style and certainly not typical of the grape but a big mouthful of wine. Maybe the vintage?
Best, jim