Turley Zinfandel Lodi Spenker Ranch, 1997:

We opened this bottle recently, after discovering the bottle in the back of a cabinet and it provided quite a surprise.  Thirteen years later, the wine had softened from a raisiny and spicy character to one with a smooth and soft personality.  It paired well with a home made Provencial Ratatouille but in its youth, I’m sure it would have been a great match for beef.  Would I search for bottle now.  No, but it serves notice that well constructed Zins (and Helen Turley is one of the best) have a long life.  If you have any from the last 5-10 years, feel comfortable that with stable storage, they will provide you with lots of pleasure.

Shea Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Shea Vineyard Estate, 2006:

Ripe deep plum and blackberry fruits, a hint spice, tobacco and cedary oak bring this all together.  Well balanced finish………..runs ~$60 and would be a great match for a salmon or tuna dish or many beef, chicken, lamb, pork, or duck dishes.

E Guigal Cotes du Rhone, 2005:

Even Guigal’s entry level wines such as this, present outstanding structure, offering some short term cellaring potential.  With deep fruits of dark plum and raspberry and threads of leather and licorice, this wine shows its stuff to the end.  At ~$17, this is a great example of an everyday wine that demonstrates what a top vintner can do.  Try with a roasted chicken or hamburgers.

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Pessac-Leognan White, 2003:

Sadly,this was my last bottle of the Smith Haut Lafitte, a white Bordeaux consisting of the classic Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grape.  The ’03 vintage was characterized by the extraordinary heat in August of that year, serving to ripen the grapes into round and rich fruits.  The wine did not disappoint, displaying rich spiced honey notes accented with citrus notes of apple and lemon.  If you’re on the hunt for a Chardonnay or California Sauvignon Blanc alternative, this is worth every penny.  It’s a perfect marriage with lobster or barbecued fish, crab and other shellfish.  As well, give it a try with goat cheeses.  The wine will run you ~$50.  If you’re up for splurging, take a look at the ’05……a massive white with mouthwatering aromas of honeyed pie crust, creamy  toffee intertwined with classic lemon rind and apple notes.  This one will set you back by ~$80.

Tags: Cotes du Rhone, Guigal, Pinot Noir, white Bordeaux, Zinfandel