Aligote, Lully 2014, Domaine des Curiades, Geneva: Pale, shimmery, white gold color. Brisk, fresh nose of stone and citrus. Lacks the body and sheer nerve of Bourgogne but also the sometimes unappetizing and overwhelming acidity. Along the lines of an Alto Adige pinot bianco. An interesting example of this variety from a well-thought-of property.
Chardonnay, Les Parcelles 2014, Laurent Villard, Geneva: Gold in color. Kind of weird cat-pee nose of the chasselas genre that is intense and penetrating. No mitigating aromas of fermentation or wood. The palate is rather lifeless and formless and to my taste too sweet.
Petite Arvine, Martigny 2014, Gerald Besse, Valais: Typical aromas of mandarin, grapefruit and pomelo mixed with flowery honey. Thicker textured than nose would indicate (this is also typical of petite arvine) with lush ripe flavors of grapefruit, candied fruit (rhubarb?) and liquid minerals. Very slight late harvest aspect. All in all, very refreshing and a satisfying drink.
Petie Arvine 2014, Denis Mercier, Valais: Very likeable husband and wife team. Another bright and fresh petite arvine with all of the citrus suspects in attendance. Sleek is the term that keeps coming to mind to describe this lovely wine. Mouthwatering lemon/lime palate in a light-weight, accessible package.
Marsanne 2012, Denis Mercier, Valais: Pale gold color. The nose fetches up acacia, white alpine flowers, honey and apricot skin. Very fresh and fascinating. The palate is middle-weight with stone fruit flavor, candied citrus peel and mineral salt. Very good. This is an excellent address.
Pinot Noir, Barrique 2013, Annatina Pelizzatti, Graubunden: More serious stuff here. Obvious barrique influence. Round aromas of red and black fruit, herbs, vanilla and peach skin. Middle-weight palate with round stone fruit concentration. Cherries, plums and apricot. Chamois texture.
Pinot Noir 2013, Hurlevent, Valais: Brickish edge, crimson core. Light-weight style. Nice nose of cherries and fresh herbs. Tasty for the price (16 CHF) but not much future development to be expected. Drink now.
Cornalin 2014, Philippe Darioli, Valais: Dark ruby. Slight thinning at the rim. Nose of red and black fruit, dried leaves and tea. Shows a little development already. Palate is medium-weight with red berries, currants and a touch of drying at the edges. Decent if not spectacular.
Humagne Rouge 2012, Christophe Abbet, Valais: Ruby red with brick edge. Savory raspberry nose with some pinot-like breed and complexity. Middle-weight palate of raspberry and bramble bush fruit (zinfandel?). Sweet fruit but slight dry-ing at the edges. Good but not my favorite humagne of late. (see: Memoire & Friends).
Pinot Noir, Fläscher Alte Reben 2013, Weingut Adank, Graubunden: Dark garnet with a blue-ish tint. Fat nose of cooked fruit, jammy, with notes of red and black fruit. Slightly fig-like. Slightly over-extracted and a bit unwieldy. Lots of black fruit flavor if a bit clumsy for a pinot from this area.