There was plenty of pizza, video games and fine wine last night. Here are some of the bottles we drank with abridged notes.

Jacques Puffeney ’07 ‘Les Bérangères” Trousseau – Arbois, Jura

The Puffeney Trousseau wasn’t showing nearly as well as the last bottle of 2006 I had. Still quite lovely – very light with strawberry fruit, herbaceous spice and a rustic earthy character, but lacking that wowing expression. It certainly favours being a little under room temperature. I love Trousseau and would happily drink strictly Jura for the rest of my life. ($35 in San Francisco)

Foxtrot ’06 Pinot Noir – Naramata Bench, BC

I was looking forward to trying this wine again, as my brief encounter with it last time left me baffled. The fruit is beautiful, the wine is a great weight and I appreciate that it isn’t an overly extracted style (as they sometimes can be in BC), but I can’t get past the aggressive levels of oak. It seriously tastes like it’s been aged in bourbon casks. I’d prefer the aging vessel not to overpower the fruit, but as I have friends who love this wine, I realize that it comes down to personal preference. However, if this was a cork contest, Foxtrot’s stately cork would take it. ($60 in Vancouver at private retail)

Torre Muga ’98 Rioja

Definitely a modern styled Rioja – dark, intense and lush. Dark chocolate with a dusty dirt road character and purple fruit. I’m somewhat shocked that this wine is 12 years old. Complex and quite good. ($$? from Alberta)

Château de Montmirail ’07 “Cuvee Deux Frères” – Vacqueyras, Southern Rhône
50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre

The fourth bottle, so take from this what you will. A little juicier than I expected, yet lighter in body (med+) and more linear than the Muga Rioja. Raisinated purple fruit with bakers chocolate and a slight meatiness. Quite delicious and a fantastic value. ($18 USD at Vinopolis in Portland)

Turns out Torre Muga Rioja pairs pretty well with video games.