Tastingtable

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

These are tasting notes for some wines that have graced the NYCR tasting table recently but won't be reviewed in standalone posts.

Channing Daughters Winery 2009 Lagrein ($30): Very peppery on the nose (almost syrah-like) with some rocky minerality and taut red fruits (cherry and cranberry). Silky up front with crunchy red fruit and low tannins. Smoky and a bit spicy — but in an oaky way. Somewhat dilute, but no-doubt food friendly because of the acidity. Rating: 83

Channing Daughters Winery 2010 Rosato di Cabernet Sauvignon ($18): Simple, pure nose of red cherries and raspberries. Medium-fuller body brings similar fruit character with a little dried leaf flavor. Creamy mid-palate that is balanced fairly well by acidity. Short with cherry skin on finish. Rating: 84

Channing Daughters Winery 2010 Rosato di Refosco ($20): Sweet fruit on the nose — brambles and strawberries — that lead into blackberries and currants on the palate. Citrusy acidity and a certain "wild berry" quality. Forward and giving. Medium body and finish. Rating: 85

Heart & Hands Wine Company 2009 Hobbit Hollow Vineyard Riesling ($27): 25 cases made. Dominated by minerally wet stone on the nose notes of dried apricot, citrus blossom and thai basil herbal notes. Somewhat austere, the palate is focused — with great acidity — and flavored with lime, grapefruit zest and green apple skin. As it warms, a bit of green almond and pine nut peeks in. Snappy, citrusy acidity brings verve and tension. Rating: 91

Heart & Hands Wine Company 2009 Sawmill Creek Vineyard Riesling ($27): 25 cases made. Nose is a melange of green apples, tangerine and almond cookie with subtle notes of tropical fruit. The palate delivers intense pineapple, apple and golden raisin flavors on a fat mid-palate that tightens up on the finish, which lingers with with orange and lime citrus character. Good, not great, balance Rating: 86

Lieb Family Cellars 2008 Petit Verdot ($30): Blueberry and cassis dominate the nose with sweet oak and vanilla in the background, and very little pepper character. The palate brings a big burst of blueberry and subtle exotic spice. The mid-palate is a little grapey. Fairly high, somewhat sharp acidity and chewy tannins provide structure. Finish is short but with a nice graphite note. Rating: 84