Bonjour y Bonjourno!

The two wines I chose for this posting I think are both good introductions to each without having some of the more unusual or expensive styles. So say Bonjour or Bonjourno and find a tasting near you.

Patriarche Pere et Fils 2004 Burgogne Blanc – I had this wine again recently and thought, why didn’t I post about it before? I certainly meant to. This chardonnay immediately hits tart golden apples and a bit of dust or chalk in the nose. It is a medium bodied wine well proportioned and drinking well. Flavors of golden apple, vanilla, a bit of light brown toast or yeast and chalk in the finish I enjoyed in each taste. It reminds me of almost a champagne flavor without the fizz. The toast did fade a bit with the bottle open for a few hours and I admit I wish it wouldn’t have. It’s a nicely wet wine, not overly oaked, or really any butter that I noted. This to me is a good introduction to white Burgundy. Moderate acid and good flavor that keep it well balanced albeit moderate thin mouth feel. If you are looking to say Bonjour to your first white burgundy you might start here before you jump into that expensive bottle of Meursault. $ -16/bottle

1998 Marchesi Spinola Barolo – This Barolo was not like some others I had tried that hadn’t aged as long or were just over the top in leather and smoke. I was very impressed. The nose had tobacco but with dark currants and other black fruit. It had a nicely layered scent and depth and seem to absorb any possible light it was so dark. In the mouth there was a full long body that I expected but a smoothness and velvet I did not. Tobacco and earthen fruit are long lasting. While many Barolo I have had I swear must be with food, I could enjoy this on its own, and others at the tasting also agreed. It has depth and body but is not pushy. Still it would be wonderful with seared lamb or steak on the bone. The finish was pleasantly earthy but not overly tannic. It was the hit of the evening at the tasting above other Barolo or Barbaresco. A mature, inky dark wine, fit for drinking now and a good introduction to Barolo without the pain of cost or KO to the mouth with racing tannins. $$ - 28-30/bottle