This is 100% Picpoul grapes from southern France. Light gold in color with slight green hues, clear and bright. The nose has a bit of sulfur/gunpowder on it but also nice lemon, and a bit of papaya. Light bodied. On the palate, tart green apple with some lemon. Moderate finish. This is ok on its own but really better with food. It worked well with soft cheeses. Drink now.
Cuvaison’s Small Lot program showcases small production of unique wines “of character and complexity and which explore different styles and techniques.” I have reviewed many of their Small Lot wines over the years and they have all excelled. Therefore, it’s exciting to once again taste a new Small Lot Chardonnay. As with all Small Lot wines, these are estate grown.
Once one gets past the classified and top wines, Bordeaux makes a lot of wine and decent pricing that is very good. This is 100% Merlot from Bordeaux. Purple in color with ruby hues, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is deep with black cherries, char, and baking spice. Medium bodied. Medium tannins. Moderate acidity. On the palate, black cherry fruit with some spice and a bit of char/smoke. Good finish. This drinks nicely on its own but would be better with food. A nice match might be a Chicken Pot Pie. Drink over the next seven to ten years.
