France: Wine, French Wine Regions, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, & More Profiled
A very nice showing for this wine that is just starting to come out of its shell. Pop and let breathe for 30 minutes (not decanted), it took about another hour to open up.
This is a producer who first got recognition for their fantastic Gigondas wines. They have since expanded their releases all over the southern and northern Rhone. Their Chateauneuf is also stellar. It is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and 10% each of Syrah and Cinsault. Deep ruby in color, purple at the core. The nose is tight upon opening. With air, raspberries, black raspberries and mineral/gravel emerge. On the palate, this is delicious. Lots of black cherry fruit with some raspberries. Medium tannins. Bright acidity. This will work well with roasts and casseroles. I
This was purchased on release and properly cellared. Overall, the bottle took an hour or so to open up and then was drinking fine. It never took that final step to being a top bottle, but it was outstanding nevertheless. Light ruby in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose has a slight earthy funk to it and cherries. On the palate, this has a soft texture. Elegant cherries with light tannins twisted around a bit of damp earthy farmyard. Long finish. This will go well with roasted fowl or braised beef dishes. It probably doesn't get better than this but no hurry, it should be at t
This was tasted from a magnum that had been opened for a couple of hours. Delicious and drinking great. 2009 has been an open and for the most part, accessible vintage since release, yet also an excellent vintage. Made from 90% Grenache. Deep ruby in color, purple at the core. The nose has raspberries, spice, dust and a bit of an interesting pine note. What a great texture it has. On the palate, there are raspberries over a charred wood with just a hint of the pine. It has some complexity as it unwinds in the glass. A long finish. This is not a brute wine and indeed, more elegant
Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Silvery light gold in color. A nice amount of smaller bubbles. The nose has seltzer and gun powder. On the palate, this is lively. Plenty of a (red) apples with a tart sourness that is very nice. A reasonably long finish. This is an affordable Champagne that is very user friendly. It will work well on its own and with just about any foods but especially salty foods. This should be consumed within the first few years of release. There was no disgorgement date on this bottle so purchase from stores with good turnover.
A gorgeous showing for this wine. 100% Grenache. If served blind, I would have guessed Grand Cru Burgundy. It was lighter in color and more elegant than a 2001 Dujac Close de la Roche it was served next to (and just as good). A pale ruby/maroon in color, bright and clear. On the palate, this has cherries, slight raspberries, baking spices and twigs. On the palate, this has lovely cherry fruit over a bit of gravel and dry earthiness. Wonderful liveliness and energy. Long finish. A very complex wine. No hint of the hot vintage of 2003. This seems developed but also seems like it st
Wow. Stunning showing and WOTN at our tasting group's annual holiday party. This seems to be about at peak, but it also has some youth so perhaps it will get better. Ruby in color, if a bit flat. The nose is gorgeous with cherries, cinnamon, slight wet tobacco notes and just a bit of woodiness.
This is the second wine of Beaucaillou. I have always thought that as second wines go, this is one of the best. This is drinking beautifully right now. Purple/ruby in color. No real sign of it being 23 years old. The nose is dusty with cassis, slight cedar and just a bit of tobacco. There is also some volatile acidity. On the palate, this is surprisingly fresh and lively. It has a lovely texture. Plenty of cassis fruit. Medium tannins. Some depth. Moderate finish. This drinks more youthfully than expected. If this bottle is representative, this should easily go another ten to
This was a good showing for this wine from what is a very hard and slow to mature vintage. At age 24, however, this one seems to be about at peak. Ruby in color with some browning. The nose is tight but eventually shows cassis, dust and slight soy sauce. On the palate, this again takes some time to open. This was pop and pour, but an hour decant might have been a good idea. Eventually, it shows cassis over a forest floor. It unwinds in the glass showing nice layering. Mild tannins. Medium finish. This should certainly drink well for the next decade. It works better with food and
This has always been a controversial style. Perhaps it is because it was release in an excellent vintage and a ripe one at that, but is made in an older, less ripe style. It depends on what you are looking for. Ruby in color with some browning. The nose is very earthy with tobacco, slight bell pepper and black cherries. On the palate, this has light tannins, cherry fruit and some complexity. The bell pepper returns a bit on the finish. It is quite enjoyable but certainly not a thrill ride that Mouton can, at time, provide. It won't get any better from here and is either at peak or a
