WTN: Rasteau, Kerpen, Pape Johannou, Barbera

• 2004 Domaine des Coteaux des Travers Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau Cuvée Prestige - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau (11/1/2008)
  Very dark, very extracted, very tasty. Almost chewy. I liked the flavors a lot, though a bit too much at this stage. Paired with Peking duck, and not a great match, though it might be in 4 years.
• 2001 Kerpen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (11/1/2008)
  True kabinett with minerals dominating yellow fruits, good acidity, and a finish like a crisp green apple. Nice now, might be better in a couple of years.
• 2000 Pape Johannou Agiorgitiko - Greece, Peloponnisos, Nemea (10/28/2008)
  No lack of Southern-Rhone-like fruit, very rustic. Prominent iron. Certainly drinkable but not one to seek out.
• 2004 Cavallotto Barbera d'Alba Bricco Boschis Vigna del Cuculo - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba (10/22/2008)
  Nice cherry fruit with some minerals, very good balance, and tannins mostly resolved. Excellent match with roast chicken, and probably with many things. The proverbial Wednesday night wine.

Charles

[David M. Bueker]

That's how to reduce inventory.

The 2001s are just starting to come into their own. I know many of the wines we tried in May were still closed, but I've had others that were singing.

That's how to reduce inventory.

The 2001s are just starting to come into their own. I know many of the wines we tried in May were still closed, but I've had others that were singing.

I actually had planned to try a 2001 Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kab but it was buried and I was too lazy to move boxes. I'm working on changing that situation too.

Charles