417 Magazine celebrated its 10th anniversary with a bash at 319 on Friday night. I learned that Les Bourgeois was going to be pouring there and thoroughly enjoyed the surprise of finding three more wineries on hand. Highlights:
Les Bourgeois 2010 Labelle, a Vignoles with 2 percent residual sugar: Really well balanced with intense fruit. I thought their Chambourcin was overly smoothed out, its typical spicy nature tamed.
7C's Stagecoach, a dry Vidal — a spirited varietal.
7C's Stagecoach, a dry Vidal — a spirited varietal.
Crown Valley 2004 Off-Dry Chardonnel, aged in French and American oak. This is the first oaked white wine I've ever liked. Not just tolerated, but actively enjoyed. I suppose I responded to the smooth nature of the oak effect.
St. James winery: Their varietal Chardonnel was typically crisp with a little citrus. On a different note, I can't overlook the Norton — this massively oaked wine delivered a devastating lumber-yard effect. Bring your chainsaw.
