3rd Thursday Wines,  October 21, 2010 Crustaces 2008, Dopff & Irion. Alsace, France A lively blend of Sylvaner and Pinot Blanc. Fresh, dry, crisp. Aromas of lime with a hint of mineral. Appealing green apple and  citrus flavors. A terrific seafood wine.  Fine match for many foods. Excellent aperitif.  (Dopff & Irion have been Alsatian producers for about four centuries, located in the medieval town Riquewihr, one of the most charming and picturesque towns in France.) Vouvray 2009,  Alliance Loire.  Rosnay, Loire Valley, France A beautiful version of this famous wine from the middle Loire—just lightly sweet.  100% Chenin Blanc from 50-year-old vines. Generous fresh yellow apple aromas and flavors with flinty notes. Good body and a lingering finish. An exceptionally good value. (A Laurent Terrisson Selection.) Quiche Lorraine, sautéed chicken breast. Tangy cheeses. Versatile and food friendly.  Dry Gewürztraminer 2008, Foris Vineyards. Rogue Valley, Oregon Appealing Gewurztraminer aromatics: citrus blossom, orange peel, wildflower honey and a hint of nutmeg. Beautifully balanced flavors of pineapple, guava, nectarine and a trace of ginger spice are rich yet restrained.  A prime choice with Southern Thanksgiving turkey and trimmings. Spicy Chinese, Thai, Indian dishes. Haut Poitou Rouge 2009.  Loire Valley, France A pretty red blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Gamay and 10% Pinot Noir. Generous strawberry/raspberry aromas and flavors. Easy tannins and pleasant structure. Chill slightly. (A Laurent Terrisson Selection.) Aperitif.  Chicken (or eggplant) Parmesan and pasta. Pork roast. Thanksgiving turkey. Costiere de Nimes 2009, Domaine Bahourat, Rhône Valley, France A rich, fruit-filled blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache (typical blend for southern Rhône reds). Big aromas of dark berries, cherries and violets. Lively berry flavors. Well balanced with a lingering finish. Grilled sausages and meats, venison. Full-flavored cheeses.    [The land at Domaine Bahourat is typical of the region: chalky soils with “gallets roules” (literally: rolled pebbles)]. Reds 2008, Laurel Glen Vineyard. Lodi, California A hearty blend of 60% Zinfandel (eighty-year-old vines); 30% Carignane (one-hundred and-thirty-year-old vines); and 10% Petite Sirah (thirty-year-old vines). The fruity exuberance of Zinfandel is tempered by the spiciness of Carignane, while the Petite Sirah adds depth and backbone. Reds is both delicious with inviting “up-front” opulent fruit and complex with layers of flavor. Match with pizza, hearty spaghetti with tomato-based sauces, burgers, grilled sausages and steaks. Full-flavored cheeses. A terrific “let’s welcome Fall” wine!     Cheers,  Wine World Taste through the wines at your own pace. We are pleased to talk with you about the wines.