Chardonnay 2011 De La Familia  (six months on oak). Canta Mayor Riserva 2007. named after a spaceship that sank in 2002 in Uruguay). "Welcome!" says attractive dark haired Federico Domingo, Export Manager for Bodegas Castillo Viejo as we squeeze into his tiny car. Alexander joins his. Below are some notes from the tasting. MORE >>

If I were to buy a bottle from roughly 1996 - 2002 there is the pre-mox risk too, although supposedly Lafon did a better job of avoiding pre-mox problems that did most other white Burgundy producers. The nose was limestone and chalk and minty ripe Chardonnay fruit, and that's simplifying it for the purpose of using words. Perfect. MORE >>

We were able to taste six wines, beginning with the Ruca Malen Chardonnay 2009, very fresh tasting with good balance and tropical notes. Kinien Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 was incredibly delicious and well developed for its youth, with good balance, concentrated fruit, and notes of leather and animal on the nose. Tasting the Wines. MORE >>

2007 George Descombes Morgon , $20, Louis/Dressner Selections. like it, but I wanted to love it, the way I love the 2007 Régnié. 2007 Domaine de Roally Viré-Clessé Tradition , $24, Louuis/Dressner Selections. 2002 Chartogne-Taillet Champagne Cuvee Fiacre , $70, Terry Theise Selections/Michael Skurnik Imports. don't know.I MORE >>

The 2007 Gilbert Picq Chablis Vieille Vignes , $23, Polaner Imports, was just delicious. The 2002 Billaud-Simon Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume , price unknown, Imported by Wine Brokers Int'l and acquired from a private collection, was rather mute on the nose at dinner, but I loved the taste of the wine. But close. Lovely wine. MORE >>