2017 Chateau de Béru Chablis Montserre

 More approachable now than the 2017 Béru Monopole, the Montserre opens up nicely after 30 minutes or so. Extremely well managed oak imparts a caressing mouthfeel to the savory lemon palate. But the star of the show is the mouthwatering salinity on the finish... Do not drink too cold.

Paired with seared marinated tuna, ginger carrots and potato cake.

Alsace Pinot Noir and Jura Pinot Noir

 2017 Marcel Deiss Burlenberg

"...From vines planted in 1947 and later as a field blend (complantation) of Pinot Noir and other mutations of Pinot like Beurot, Meunier, Blanc and Gris on "volcanism-baked limestone" ..."

First experience with this wine. Exceeded expectations. Elegant red fruit palate up front with sous bois influence on the nose. Interesting complexity on the finish of this co-planted varietal cuvee. The use of small oak is managed with a beautifully deft hand. This will get better with a few more years of cellaring.



2018 Domaine du Pélican Arbois Pinot Noir 

Bright strawberry fruit up front with lively acidity on the finish. Not a lot of depth here, but provides a very enjoyable quaff.



Both wines paired deliciously with chicken and andouille sausage jambalaya.
 

2017 Big Table Farm Pinot Noir

 Comprised of equal lots from all eight sites of pinot that they work with, Brian Marcy and Claire Carver made an excellent entry level pinot noir in 2017.

Decanted to aerate for a couple of hours, the aromatics provide instant allure. On the palate, the wine exhibits a beautiful expression of sous bois complementing suave cherry and allspice. Paired with grilled tuna.

I hadnt enjoyed a Big Table Farm wine in a while. This was really nice. Should easily drink well for another 10 years or more...

2015 Felsina Chianti Classico Berardenga

 Drinking gorgeously now. Well balanced fruit and gentle acidity. An outstanding effort. Paired with roast chicken and vegetables. 

2018 Marcel Deiss Berckem

 Field blend of 50% Riesling with the balance being Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sylvaner, Muscat d'Alsace (white and red), Muscat à Petit Grain, Gewurtztraminer, Traminer, Chasselas, Chasselas Rose.

Very enjoyable. Needs a couple of hours to open up. Don't drink too cold. Better on day one than day two.
Lovely fruit with enough underlying acidity to keep things interesting. 

2019 G. Bea Lapideus and 2017 Deiss Grasberg

The Bea is Trebbiano Spoletino. 30 days on the skins, so really more of an orange wine. It's too young at this point but drinkable.

I really prefer Trebbiano d'Abruzzo... Tiberio makes an excellent and somewhat affordable version, IMO.

The 2017 Deiss Grasberg is the least inspiring version I've had of this cuvee and also the youngest. So it's either:
- too young
- not a good vintage
... or
- an off btl

2011 Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico / 2011 Produttori del Barbaresco Paje

 No detailed notes were taken, but the welcome news is that the 2011 PdB Crus appear to be mellowing and have shed the slight heat on the finish that they exhibited in their youth. The Montefico tannins are a bit more evident at this stage than the Paje. The Montefico is not as open on day 2 as the Paje. The tannins in the Paje are silkier and make for very enjoyable drinking right now.

Let's hope that the PdB wines do not score 100 points since the freakin price would skyrocket. 😏🍷