2009 Black Barn Cabernet Franc

Creosote and mesquite on the nose, unusual but pleasing.

2009 Mission Pinot Gris

Very middle of the road. To be fair, not a PG fan but Kristen did like it.

2009 Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat

Date tasted: August, 2011

Where: MPLS

Notes: A gift from Patrick, who knows we love Palacios' Finca Dofi. Although more modestly priced than some priorats, this is no mere table wine. It has a hint of sweetness, even floral (hibiscus tea?) notes and a slightly salty finish that I do not find in the Dofi 2004-5's that I have tried. Some nice tannins are there, but not the refined woodiness and lead-pencil depths of the older vines and vintages. In short, this young wine does what any good blend does--hides any flaws in the component grapes while highlighting their strengths, and pairs with just about anything.