2007 Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes

90 pts Wine Advocate. The 2007 Torrontes, from the high elevation Salta region of Argentina, is about as good as this varietal gets. Super fragrant, smelling of a spring flower garden, honey, and exotic spices, from the nose one expects the wine to be sweet. On the palate, however, it is dry with a creamy texture, intense flavors, excellent acidity, and a lengthy finish. It is an ideal alternative for rich courses normally calling for Chardonnay.

We served it with a Salmon Nicoise Salad for dinner.

2007 Ketcham Estate Pinot Noir Rose'

This Rosé is 100% Pinot Noir from Ketcham Vineyard just off Eastside Road in the Russian River Valley AVA in Sonoma County. It is made in the saignée method, in which the juice of the fermenting pinot noir is bled from the tanks. The light color is due to the short period of time the juice is exposed to the grape skins, which provide color to wine. It is delightfully dry with wafts of strawberry, watermelon and berry. It is crafted as the consummate summer quaffer. Only 40 cases produced.

Served with a light dinner of caprese salad, tuna with white bean salad, and antipasto plate.

2004 Matrix Winery Sonoma Coast Syrah

From a new winery on Westside Road in the Russian River Valley appellation with the same owners as Wilson Winery and Mazzocco Winery in the Dry Creek Valley appellation of Sonoma County. This is an excellent colder climate Syrah from Sonoma Coast vineyards.

Served it with BBQ brisket, cole slaw, and Caren's famous Three Corn Casserole.

2005 Husch Chenin Blanc

Husch Vineyards is a small, family owned and operated winery. It is the oldest winery in the Anderson Valley appellation, located in Mendocino County (Northern California) just 2-1/2 hours north of San Francisco. This wine offers inviting aromas of honeysuckle and white peach with a slight floral note. To the palate, this off-dry wine is soft and round with the right balance of bright fruit and zesty acidity.

We served it as an apertif before dinner tonight with three guests.

2002 Hacienda del Plata Mayoral Grand Reserve Syrah

From a family owned winery in the Lujan de Cuyo area east of the city of Mendoza in Argentina. 100% Syrah. Strong aromatic intensity, loads of complexity, pleasant finish.

Served with pasta and bolognese sauce for dinner.

Italian Wines

Last night we attended a charity dinner at Barry and Laurie's house for Meals on Wheels Delaware. The theme was Italian wines.

Here is a list of the dinner courses and the wines that were served with each:

Appetizer course: Bruno Giacosa Extra Brut Vino Spumante. Pleasant sparkling wine. Tasted a lot like a French champagne.

Salad course: Rocche dei Manzoni L'Angelica Chardonnay, 2003. From Piedmont. On the lighter side for a Chardonnay.

Appetizer course: Planeta Chardonnay, Sicilia, 2005. Big and bold for a Chardonnay. #50 in Wine Spectator 2007 Top 100 rankings.

Small plates course:
1) Antinori Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso, 1999, Tuscany. #4 in Wine Spectator 2004 Top 100 rankings. Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah blend.
2) Gianni Brunelli Brunello di Montalcino Reserva, 2001. A classic. Still available for sale at several internet retailers. Score: 96.

Entree': Paolo Scavino Barolo Bric del Fiasc, 2000, Piedmont. Served from a magnum bottle (1.5L). Fantastic. Score: 98.

Dessert: Fubbiano Vin Santo, 2001, Tuscany. I wasn't crazy about this wine. I've had other Vin Santo wines that I prefer.