Tasting_table
By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief

Here are some of the wines to cross the NYCR tasting table over the past week that — for one reason or another — won't get standalone review posts. As always, these are more-or-less taken right from my notebook.

Lucas Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Franc Reserve ($20*): Deep color. Smoky on the nose with grilled peppers, muted dark fruit and black pepper. More smoke and grilled green peppers on the palate with ripe, rich black cherry. Full body and plush mid-palate. Could use a bit more structure in the form of tannin or acid. Long smoky, dry finish. Rating: 25 (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)

Wolffer Estate 2006 Cabernet Franc ($23*): Great varietal nose of blackberry, spice, earthy mushrroms and just a little bit of roasted jalapeno. Medium-light body with lightly grippy tannins and still-fresh acidity, blackberry leads with a little cola, roasted mushrooms, spicy oak and light vanilla. A nice lighter style from a challenging year. Rating: 30 (3 out of 5 | Recommended)

Wolffer Estate 2007 Chardonnay ($19*): Nice nose of apple with a little buttered brioche and herbal edge. Medium body and creamy with very good acidity. Apple and pear with a little lemony citrus. Nice butterscotch component. Oak is mostly restrained, but pokes out a bit on the end of a medium finish. Rating: 30 (3 out of 5 | Recommended)

Zugibe Vineyards 2007 Gewurztraminer ($16*): Big rose aromas, candied ginger, candied rose petals and dried pineapple on the nose. Medium body and very floral with background lychee and ginger. Okay balance. A little bit of honey sweetness on the finish. Rating: 20 (2 out of 5 | Average)

(* Ratings Guide)