TN: Riesling, Cab Franc and Syrah
Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 12:59 pm
Some good wines over a quiet dinner at La Sirene with Marina. A whirlwind of visitors, travels, work commitments and domestic errands made for a hectic summer and it felt nice to settle in and catch up with just the wife and I for a cozy dinner with great foods at one of our preferred local French bistro.
We split an appetizing appetizer of Mussels Marinieres and, for my entrée, I stuck with the seafood theme with a Gratin de Fruits de la Mer, a recent and good addition to the restaurant’s menu.
2005 Bauerl Smaragd Pichl Point Riesling, Wachau
A crisp, but fruity Riesling. Not bracing, but with gentle lime at the forefront. A good match with the mussels. B+
1995 E. Guigal Cote-Rotie Brune et Blonde, Ampuis
Lots going on in the nose with bacon, fresh meat, olives and just the slightest of bretty notes. Some tannin, but this traditional style Northern Rhone, with red fruit acidity, was fresh-tasting and had good savory appeal. Good length. I won’t be in a hurry to drink remaining bottle. A-
2007 Clos Rougeard “Les Poyeux”, Chace, Val de Loire
Smoke, grilled meat, fresh herb and flowers on the nose. On the young side, and still showed elegance and very good craftsmanship. Layered fruit component, some mineral, with just a tad of savory characteristic. Silky mouth feel. Long. Good life lies ahead of remaining bottles. A-
We split an appetizing appetizer of Mussels Marinieres and, for my entrée, I stuck with the seafood theme with a Gratin de Fruits de la Mer, a recent and good addition to the restaurant’s menu.
2005 Bauerl Smaragd Pichl Point Riesling, Wachau
A crisp, but fruity Riesling. Not bracing, but with gentle lime at the forefront. A good match with the mussels. B+
1995 E. Guigal Cote-Rotie Brune et Blonde, Ampuis
Lots going on in the nose with bacon, fresh meat, olives and just the slightest of bretty notes. Some tannin, but this traditional style Northern Rhone, with red fruit acidity, was fresh-tasting and had good savory appeal. Good length. I won’t be in a hurry to drink remaining bottle. A-
2007 Clos Rougeard “Les Poyeux”, Chace, Val de Loire
Smoke, grilled meat, fresh herb and flowers on the nose. On the young side, and still showed elegance and very good craftsmanship. Layered fruit component, some mineral, with just a tad of savory characteristic. Silky mouth feel. Long. Good life lies ahead of remaining bottles. A-