What's Josh Drinking?

I’ve been hard at work “testing the product” here at the Table Wine Command Center recently. I spend countless hours each week researching various blogs and periodicals as well as communicating with my wine friends who live all over the country to make sure that we keep the store stocked with the finest wines offered in North Carolina. Here are some that have perked my palate recently.

1. 2010 Domaine des Aubuisieres Vouvray “Cuvée Silex”: Bernard Fouquet simply makes some of the best Vouvray in the Loire and his 2010 is no exception. 100% Chenin Blanc and essentially dry, it offers up lovely notes of ripe melon, apple, flint and flowers. This is world class Vouvray, and it could quite possibly be the best wine to serve with Thanksgiving dinner.

2. 2005 Charles Schleret Pinot Blanc Alsace: Right when I smelled this one, I knew I had to have it. You saw the vintage correct, but this wine is still alive and kickin’. The nose smells of honeyed peach, pear and spiced apple leading into a rich and textured palate of ripe orchard fruits, mineral and delicate spice. This might be the best white wine you could serve with Thanksgiving dinner………….didn’t I all ready say that?

3. 2010 La Garrigue Cotes du Rhone “Cuvée Romaine”: I’ve been a fan of this wine for most of my wine career, and I actually just recently enjoyed a lovely bottle of the 2001 of this exact wine. Vintage 2010 is a great one in the southern Rhone, and this blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah is made by Philippe Cambie……….let’s just say that every wine he touches tastes better. Trust me when I say that this doesn’t taste like your typical light, juicy and yummy Cotes du Rhone – this one’s got some muscle! Buy to drink now or hold for 5 to 10 years.