Saint Jeannet is a rare white wine grape. This is one of the few bottlings that use it. Light golden in color. The nose has limes, asparagus and a metallic quality. The palate is a bit better and more about minerals. A bit of citrus. Decent acidity. Nice enough finish. This retails for around $10 and for that price, this is good value.
I am not a huge Malbec fan in general but if I were, this is not a style of Malbec I would choose. So, take this review with a grain of salt. Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose has cherries, slight plums and green bell pepper. On the palate, there is an overt acidity to this wine that seems misplaced. It has a nice full bodied texture. Tart cherry fruit with a green bell pepper back bone. Clipped finish. I tried this at a local wine shop and some of the other patrons seemed to enjoy this more than I. It isn't going to get any better so drink now.
Cheval des Andes is a joint project between Château Cheval Blanc, of Saint Emilion, Bordeaux and Terrazas de los Andes, of Argentina. It is a blend of 60% Malbec and 31% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has cassis, coffee and sandalwood. Lovely texture. Firm tannins. On the palate, cassis, plums, milk chocolate with some char. Good acidity. Long finish. This is young and could use so more time in the cellar although it is drinking well today. Hold for a few more and then drink for ten to fifteen after that. Great on its own, it needs so
An Argentina blend that is 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Malbec, 19% Petit Verdot and 10% Tannat. Purple/ruby in color. This took some time to open and though not necessarily better on Day 2, it was different. The nose is dust with cherries, plums and an herbal note (tarragon?). On day 2, it went more to black and blue fruits. The palate has black cherries and plums with underlying dry earth and baking spice. On Day 2, again it picks up more plums but also blueberries. Tannins really come out on Day 2. This win should match well with grilled and roasted meats and other hearty foods.
I thought this was a step or two better than the 2019. Either way, both are very nice values in Pinot Noir. Very light ruby in color, clear and bright. As an aside, I love Pinots that look so watery and wimpy and then, Boom. Delicious. The nose has cherries, slight cinnamon, Chervil. Medium to full bodied. Nice texture. Light tannins. On the palate, tart cherries and slight rhubarb. This is still quite tight and just starting to open after 5 hours. It could use a few years of cellaring or a six hour decant. Drink over the next seven to ten years (probably more). Nice on its own
