Hunter white and a Cote de Rhone

[PaulV]

A couple during the week at the meal table

1997 McWilliams Elisabeth Semillon. Now here's a lovely soft, low alcohol white which goes so well with food plus the added benefit of drinking all the bottle between 2 doesn't mean you fall asleep in front of the tellie by 8pm!!
Glowing buttercup yellow/green with already some toasty, nutty and hay aromas on the nose. Unlike a lot of midlife Elizabeth's this one is not skinny and thin on the palate, lovely midweight, rich palate with a long finish , the acid doesn't poke out of this one. Surprisingly for the maker I think this already is already at its peak, sure it will stay on this plateau for another 5 years but heck why wait. Drink up and enjoy!

1998 Domaine Hautes Cances Cotes de Rhone. Popped into a bottleshop where they are having a 25% sale on all imported wine and was looking for a quaffer for mid week. Good year and good maker. Uncomplicated light to medium weight red - maybe a bit lacking on the nose although like a lot of french reds the longer it was open, the more it developed earthy , rustic tones. Spicy , meaty palate with a nice dry structure - unlike a lot of ozzie grenaches - shortish finish but heh it was only $15. Good value