Details

Over the past couple of weeks, we have been exploring more French wines and international rosés. Also, I ran across three terrific new values from Walla Walla Vintners along with some great clearance deals.

More French Wines

2017 Paul Thomas Sancerre "Les Comtesses" ($29.99 - wine.com) - This comes from Chavignol, one of the best climats of Sancerre and Paul Thomas is a respected producer. Produced from Sauvignon Blanc, this shows a brilliant lemon-gold color and perfumed aromas of pear, peach, lime, gooseberry, white flowers, wet stone and white smoke. The flavors are saline and precise, with notes of pear skin, lime peel and white chalk. The resonant finish is finely fruited and crisp. 18.5+/20 points.

2017 Paul Thomas Sancerre Rouge ($25.99 - wine.com) - Most Sancerre is white, but some red is produced from Pinot Noir. This one shows a medium ruby-crimson color and lovely aromas of fraises de bois, red currants, pomegranate, red roses, mulberry and whiffs of brambles and wood smoke. The medium bodied flavors are appealing as well, with  notes of red licorice, cocoa powder, tea and upper Loire alluvial minerals. The back picks up fraise and cassis liqueurs on the way to a pleasingly supple soft tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

2016 Château de Coulaine Chinon ($33 - The Thief, Walla Walla) - This 100% Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley shows a deep ruby color and enticing aromas of raspberries, cherries, plums, black roses, mulberry, tobacco, anise and incense. The flavors are thick and chewy with ample yet focused red and blue fruits that are intermixed with licorice, dark cocoa, French roast and alluvial minerals. The back picks up macerated berries, roasted nuts and kirsch, followed by a satisfying ripe finish. 18.5/20 points.

2017 Anne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie, "L'Alchemiste" ($29 - The Thief) - This Cru Beaujolais features a ruby color and enticing aromas of strawberry, cherry, red currant, crushed roses, wildflowers, and whiffs of sweet incense. The flavors are medium bodied but substantial, brimming with red fruits that are imbued with licorice, cocoa, medium roast coffee beans and granitic minerals. On the back, the wine turns velvety textured, with sensations of gently pressed berries and fraise and cassis liqueurs, followed by a silky moderate tannin finish. A real charmer. 18.5/20 points.

2016 Les Cailloux Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc ($39.99 - wine.com) - This Roussanne-Grenache Blanc combination displays a deep gold color and a voluptuous nose of ripe fruits - pear, peach, apricot - and intriguing scents of pear tree blossoms, jasmine, butternut, anise and meadow grass. The flavors, as well, are distinctive, with notes of pear skin, peach stone, herbal tea and minerals. On the back, bright fruit acids counterpoint notes of creme fraiche and toffee, along with poire and pêche liqueurs, all melding together into a long, again voluptuous yet precise finish. 19/20 points. 

2016 Alain Jaume Gigondas, "Terrasses de Montmirial" ($35.99 - wine.com) - Predominately Grenache, this South Rhone wine shows a deep purplish-ruby color and an intoxicating nose of blackberry, black plum, black currant, black roses, sweet tobacco, lavender, olive tapenade and spiced incense. The dark fruit flavors are big and bold, infused with licorice, dark cocoa, French roast and Montmirial stony earth. On the back, the wine turns sweetish, yet firm, with sensations of roasted berries and nuts, creme de cassis and charcoal, followed by a savory, ripe chewy tannin finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2016 Les Pallières Gigondas, "Terasse du Diable" ($35.99 -wine.com) - This 90% Grenache (with 5% each of Mourvèdre and Clairette) wine shows a deep ruby color and an intense, smoky nose of black currant, blackberry, blueberry, black roses, lavender, anise, garrigue and oriental incense. On the palate, the flavors are deep and penetrating (from 50 year-old vines) with dark fruits that are intermixed with licorice, dark cocoa, black tea, and granitic minerals. The wine intensifies on the back with roasted berries and nuts and charcoal, and then fleshes out with touches of mocha and lanolin on the smooth tannin finish. 18.5+/20 points.

More International Rosés

2018 Zenato Bardolino Chiaretto ($18 - The Thief) - Bardolino is situated on the east shore of Lake Garda in Northern Italy and Chiaretto is the Veronese name for rosé. Copper-pink colored, this emits fresh aromas of strawberry, cherry, tangerine, rosebuds and cherry blossoms. The flavors are bright and lively, with red fruits that are accented by touches of red licorice, kirsch and tangerine peel, followed by a crisp, nicely fruited dry finish. "Pretty from beginning to end," says Lynn. 18+/20 points.

2018 Maison L'Envoyé Beaujolais Rosé, "Le Saint Pâle" ($15.99 - wine.com) - Produced from Gamay Noir, this attractively priced Rosé shows a light pink color and fragrant aromas of strawberry, red currant, tangerine, spring flowers, orange blossoms, and pink incense.The flavors are fresh and sprightly, with notes of fraise and cassis liqueurs and recurring tangerine peel on the nicely juiced finish. 18/20 points.

2018 Domaine Collette Marsannay Rosé ($21 - The Thief) - Marsannay is situated at the north end of the Côte d'Or. Produced from Pinot Noir, this shows a brilliant pink color and lovely aromas of strawberry, red currant, tangerine, red roses, wildflowers and pink incense. The flavors, as well, are appealing, with nicely extracted red fruits that are accented by tangerine peel and granitic minerals, followed by fraise and cassis liqueurs on a pleasingly juicy finish. 18+/20 points.

2018 Pascal & Nicolas Reverdy Sancerre Rosé ($26 - The Thief) - Produced from Pinot Noir, this displays a light pink color and lovely aromas of strawberries, cherries, red currants, pink rose petals, cherry blossoms and white smoke. The flavors are fresh and vibrant, with notes of grape skin, fraise and cassis liqueurs and saline minerals, followed by a pleasingly juicy and resonant dry finish. 18.5/20 points.

2018 HITO Rosado, Ribera del Duero ($18- The Thief) - Light pink colored, this Tempranillo Rosé possesses floral aromas of strawberries, cherries, orange peel, cherry blossoms, lavender and whiffs of lightly spiced pink incense. The flavors are bright and deft, nicely extracted, with notes of strawberry and cherry liqueurs and recurring orange peel on the crisp, dry finish. 18/20 points.

The following two Washington Rosés are to be reviewed in the August issue of the Review of Washington Wines. Here are capsule reviews.

2018 Three Rivers Estate Cabernet Franc Rosé, Walla Walla Valley ($18) - Light pink colored this has floral aromas of strawberry, Rainier Cherry and pink grapefruit. The flavors are light and refreshing with notes of grape skin and citrus peel, followed by a crisp finish. 18/20 points.

2018 Helix by Reininger Sangiovese Rosé, Columbia Valley, Stillwater Creek Vineyard ($20) - Copper tinged pink, this emits aromas of strawberry, Rainier cherry and pink grapefruit with scents of pink flowers and pink incense. The flavors are fresh and sprightly, leading the way to crisp, nicely fruited finish. 18+/20 points. 

Super Bargains from Walla Walla Vintners

Last Saturday, I visited Walla Walla Vintners to check out their new Bello Rosso wines from the Heart of the Hill Vineyard on Red Mountain. They are called an "exclusive limited-run line of Red Mountain wines." Priced at $15 a bottle, they are bargains that are not to be missed. They are intended for the winery club, but if you go there, you may be able to obtain them. 

2016 Bello Rosso Sangiovese-Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, Heart of the Hill Vineyard ($15) - This 50/50 combination offers a deep ruby color and ripe aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, rosebuds, tobacco leaf and whiffs of incense. The flavors are medium bodied and direct, yet robust, with notes of red licorice, cocoa powder and Red Mountain calcareous earth. The back picks up macerated berries and toffee, followed but a Tuscan-like dryish moderate tannin finish. 18/20 points.

2016 Bello Rosso Carmenère, Red Mountain, Heart of the Hill Vineyard ($15) - Semi opaque ruby colored, this possesses a rich, smoky nose of blackberry, cherry, Damson plum, black roses, dark tobacco, mint and incense. The flavors are thick and direct, with dark fruits that are intermixed with licorice, dark cocoa, French roast and minerals. The wine tightens up a bit on the back with roasted berries and nuts and charcoal on the finish. 18/20 points.

2015 Bello Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, Heart of the Hill Vineyard ($15) - This is a thick and direct Cabernet. Deep ruby colored, it emits rich aromas of blackberry, cherry and plum with scents of crushed roses, mulberry, tobacco and wood smoke. The flavors are mouth filling, with generous yet focused dark fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cola and Red Mountain scorched earth. The wine soften up a bit on the back with roasted berries and nuts, followed by a chewy moderate tannin finish. 18/20 points.

Details

On June 14, I attended the Celebrate Walla Walla Valley Wine - The World of Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Panel Presentation & Tastings at the Marcus Whitman Hotel. This was the latest of of a succession of annual events which alternate with Merlot and Syrah as the Walla Walla Valley's signature grape varieties. This year's panel consisted of Moderator Owen Bargreen of the International Wine Report, Daniel Wampfler, winemaker at Abeja, JJ Menozzi of Aluvé and Josh McDaniels of Doubleback in the Walla Walla Valley. From the Napa Valley were Elizabeth Vianna of Chimney Rock and Christopher Tynan of Cliff Lede. Rounding out the panel was Nicolò D'Affilitto of Frescobaldi in Tuscany, Italy. Six wines were tasted, one from each of the six winemakers on the panel. Here are the wines tasted with my notes and scores. 

2015 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, Heather Hill Vineyard ($68) - This 100% varietal wine showed a deep ruby color and enticing aromas of sweet fruits - blackberries, cherries, plums, currants - with scents of crushed roses, tobacco, sweet pea flowers, rosemary, sage and wood smoke. The flavors were deep and full bore, with layers of dark fruits intermixed with licorice, cacao, French roast and silty minerals. On the back, the wine gained intensity with roasted berries and nuts, integrated oak (70% new French) and touches of kidskin and graphite followed by a lingering opulent yet firm finish. 19.5/20 points.

2014 Aluvé Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, Menozzi Vineyard ($52) - Composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon with 7% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, this show an inky ruby color and an intense nose of blackberry, cherry, plum, roses, tobacco, sandalwood, olive, vanillin and incense. The flavors were thick and opulent, yet deep and focused, marked by licorice, dark cocoa, roasted coffee beans and silty earth. The wine firmed up a bit on the back with notes of roasted berries and nuts, graphite and moderate oak (40% new French) followed by a long finish. 19+/20 points.

2016 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley ($85) - This blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Merlot offered a deep ruby-crimson color and a perfumed nose of wild blackberries, blueberries, cherries, plums, black roses, pipe tobacco, cedar, violets and incense. The flavors were bold and structured, underlain with licorice, 85% cacao, French roast and silt and basalt minerals. The penetration continued on the back with roasted berries and walnuts, mocha, toffee, integrated oak (85% new French) and pencil shavings, followed by a lingering firm yet sweetish tannin finish. 19.5/20 points.

2016 Chimney Rock Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($100) - From the Stag's Leap District, this 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot combination showed a deep ruby-crimson color and a rich, smoky nose of blackberry, cherry, Damson plum, black roses, sweet tobacco, cedar, sandalwood, a hint of mint, and oriental incense. The flavors were well framed, marked by notes of licorice, bittersweet chocolate, French press and compact earth. The intensity continued on the back with sensations of roasted berries and nuts, mocha, touches of vanilla oak (50% new French) and leather, and burnt charcoal, followed by a long, firm yet ripe tannin finish. 19.5/20 points.

2015 Cliff Lede Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($98) - Also from the Stag's Leap District, this blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec, 7% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc offered a deep ruby-crimson color and rich aromas of wild fruits - blackberries, huckleberries, cherries, plums - with scents of crushed roses, sweet tobacco, violets and incense. The flavors were bold yet velvety, with notes of black licorice, dark cocoa, French roast and earth. On the back, the wine firmed up a bit, yet stayed velvety, with notes of roasted berries and walnuts, mocha, fine grained oak (80% new French) all leading seamlessly into a long satiny tannin finish. 19.5/20 points.

2015 Frescobaldi Mormoreto Rosso Toscana, Castello Nipozzano ($90) - Composed largely of Cabernet Sauvignon, with Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese and a touch of Petit Verdot, this showed a deep ruby color and an  opulent nose of blackberry, cherry, plum, currant, black roses, sweet tobacco, cedar and sweet incense. The flavors, as well, were opulent, yet authoritative, with notes of licorice, dark cocoa, Italian roast, and rocky hillside minerals. The back picked up roasted berries and hazelnuts, mocha, toffee and graphite, followed by a long dry yet rich finish, all conveying a sense of Tuscan elegance. 19.5/20 points.

All the wines were qualitatively nearly equal. The only differences were structural and stylistic, each reflecting a distinct terroir and varietal character.

Details

In the June issue of the Review of Washington Wines, I reviewed some sparking - "frizante" - wines from Foundry Vineyards "Pét-Nat Project." In the July issue, there will be two Pét-Nats from Grosgrain Vineyards. Is this the start of a new trend? First, what is Pét-Nat?

Pétillant Naturel - "Pét-Nat" for short - wines are bottled before completing the first fermentation, allowing carbon dioxide to be produced by the natural sugars in the grapes. This is the "méthode ancestral" used in the Limoux region of France. This is unlike the Champenoise method in which a secondary fermentation takes place with the addition of yeast and sugar. Also unlike Champagne, Pét-Nar not disgorged and may or not be filtered upon completion of fermentation. Pét-Nats are usually sealed with crown caps, like those used for cider. 

Because they do not produce as much dissolved carbon dioxide, Pét-Nats are not as bubbly as methode Champenoise sparkling wines. Hence, they are called "pétillant," or frizante. They can be very enjoyable wines, slightly frothy, especially suitable for summer. 

The Foundry Vineyards "Pét Project" is the creative endeavor of winemaker Jay Anderson. It is comprised of three Pét-Nats: the 2018 Grüner Veltliner from the Soluna Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge, the 2018 Pinot Gris Rosé from the same vineyard, and the 2018 Roussanne from the Conley Vineyard. See the June issue of the Review of Washington wines for reviews.

Grosgrain Vineyards is a new winery owned by Matt and Kelly Austin and is located on Half Acre Lane, off the Old Milton Highway. They make two Pét-Nats:

2018 Grosgrain Vineyards "Pet-Nat" Chenin Blanc, Yakima Valley, Willard Farms ($26) - From a vineyard planted in 1980, this features a gold color, frothy bubbles and floral aromas. The flavors are bright, fresh and resonant, with notes of saline minerals and brioche, followed by a bone dry (no dosage) finish. 18.5/20 points.

2018 Grosgrain Vineyards "Pet-Nat" Lemberger, Red Mountain, Kiona Vineyard ($26) - From old vines (planted 1976) this displays a copper rosé color, frothy bubbles and aromas of berries, cherries, tangerine and a lively mouth feel, with the CO2 tingling the palate along with notes of grape skin, peach stone and minerals. 18.5/20 points.

Full reviews of the above two wines to be in the July issue of the Review of Washington Wines.

For comparison, I picked up a bottle of Cremant de Limoux, made by the methode ancestral method (see above) at the Thief Bottle Shop in Walla Walla for $28. It was capped with a harnessed cork, like Champagne, but it uncorked with a whoosh instead of a pop, indicating less carbon dioxide than in a Champagne. Here are my notes.

Michèle Capedepon Cremant de Limoux, Brut - Lemon gold colored, this possesses light streaming bubbles and intriguing aromas of pear, peach, citrus, hazelnut, wildflowers and a hint of clover. The flavors are well delineated and extracted, with notes of peach stone, pear skin, lemon zest and a touch of creme fraiche, followed by a dry true Brut finish. 18.5/20 points.

Details

The last time rosé wines were reviewed in this Blog, was in the 14 May posting. Since then, we have tasted more rosés from Washington State and elsewhere. Here are my notes and scores.

Washington Rosés

2018 Amavi Cellars Rosé, Walla Walla Valley ($25) - This 100% Cabernet Franc Rosé shows a copper-pink color and attractive aromas of strawberries, cherries, tangerine, rose petals and cherry blossoms. The flavors are bright and sprightly, with note of grape skin, tangerine peel and silty minerals, followed by a lush, crisp finish. 18.5/20 points.

2018 Prospice Rosé, Walla Walla Valley, Breezy Slope Vineyard ($22) - This field blend of Grenache and Counoise displays a light copper-pink color and aromas of strawberry, cherry, tangerine, pink lilac. The flavors are delicate yet well delineated, with notes of fraise and cerise liqueurs and tangerine peel on the back. 18.5/20 points.

2018 Grosgrain Vineyards Rosé, Yakima Valley, Angolina Farm Vineyard ($20) - Whole cluster fermented Grenache, this shows a light pink-gold color and aromas of strawberry, Rainier cherry, pomegranate, tangerine. The flavors are light but well delineated, with touches of nougat and tangerine peel. 18+/20 points.

2018 K Vintners Rosé Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, Phil Lane Vineyard ($20) - Copper-pink colored, this possesses aromas of strawberry, raspberry, tangerine and wildflowers. The flavors are medium bodied but characterful, with saline minerals and fraise and framboise liqueurs. 18.5/20 points.

2018 Revelry Vintners Rosé, Columbia Valley ($18) - This 83% Cabernet Franc, 17% Grenache combination offers a copper pink color and aromas of strawberry, red pear, pink pear, cherry blossoms and lilac. The flavors are fresh and sprightly, accented by grape skins and stony minerals. 18+/20 points.

2018 Trust Cellars Rosé Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley ($18)  - This 100% Cabernet Franc shows a light copper-pink color and aromas of raspberry, Rainier cherry, tangerine, cherry blossoms and white incense. The flavors are dry and crisp, yet well fruited, with notes of framboise and kirsch liqueurs. 18+/20 points.

2018 Tertulia Cellars Estate Rosé, Walla Walla Valley ($20) - Produced from 100% Tempranillo grapes, this shows a copper-pink color and attractive aromas of strawberry, pomegranate, pink roses, lavender and incense. The flavors are deftly extracted and the finish nicely juiced yet textured. 18.5/20 points.

Full reviews of the above wines to be in the July issue of the Review of Washington Wines. 

French Rosés

2018 Mas de la Dame "La Gourmande" Les Baux de Provence Rosé ($22 - The Thief, Walla Walla) - This combination of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% each of Mourvèdre and Cinsault, shows a brilliant peach color and rich aromas of raspberry, peach, tangerine, orange blossoms, lavender and white incense. The flavors, as well, are striking, with red and orange fruits that are accented by grape skin, tangerine peel and Les Baux mas minerals, followed by a well textured nicely fruited and spiced finish. 18+/20 points.

2018 Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rosé ($36) - From near Marseille, this Rosé (Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault) shows a medium copper-pink color and enticing aromas of wild strawberry, pomegranate, red currant, red rose petals, tangerine and lavender. The  flavors are beautifully fruited, with notes of fraise and currant liqueurs, pomegranate seeds and recurring tangerine peel, followed by a fresh, lightly spiced finish. 18.5+/20 points. 

2018 Château Soucherie Rosé de Loire ($23 - The Thief) - Made from Cabernet Franc, this shows a light pink color and perfumed aromas of strawberry, cherry, red currant, cherry blossoms, red roses and wildflowers. The flavors are delightfully fresh and lively, with tangy red fruits, with notes of kirsch and fraise liqueurs and a touch of orange peel, followed by a crisp, racy finish. 18.5/20 points.

2018 Château de l'Eperonnière Rosé de Loire ($24 - The Thief) - Also made from Cabernet Franc, this shows a copper hued pink color and attractive aromas of raspberry, cherry and red currant with scents of cherry blossoms and pink lilac. The flavors are pleasing, with bright red fruits that are accented by framboise and cerise liqueurs, tangerine peel and alluvial minerals on the way to a resonant, juicy dry finish. 18.5/20 points.

2018 Pascal & Nicolas Reverdy Sancerre Rosé, "Terre de Maimbray" ($26 - The Thief) - Produced from Pinot Noir, this displays a brilliant pink-rose color and lovely aromas of strawberries, cherries, red currants, pink roses, cherry blossoms and tangerine peel. The flavors are fresh and vibrant, with notes of grape skin, fraise and cerise liqueurs and saline minerals, followed by a pleasingly juicy and resonant dry finish. 18.5/20 points.

Other Rosés

2018 G.D. Vajra Vino Rosato, "rosabella" ($18 - The Thief) - From blocks facing the Alps, this Italian Rosè shows a brilliant copper-pink color and attractive aromas of strawberry, cherry, orange peel, rosebuds and pink lilac. The flavors are fresh and lively, direct, with red fruits that are accented by cherry and strawberry liqueurs and touches of hazelnut and dried orange peel on the dry finish. 18/20 points.

2018 Conde Valdemar Rioja Rosé ($20) - This was purchased at the Valdemar Estates winery in Walla Walla. Composed of 70% Garnacha and 30% Viura, it displays a light pink color and enticing aromas of raspberry, red currant, pomegranate, orange peel, orange blossoms, Spanish lavender and violets. The flavors are delicate but well delineated, with notes of red fruits and lactose, followed by a fine finish that is accented by bright fruit acids. 18+/20 points.

Details

Last night, Thursday May 30, I joined the Sons of Bacchus and Daughters of Dionysus for a tasting of French Sauvignon Blancs. It was a very interesting tasting. Sauvignon Blanc is largely thought of as a Bordeaux white varietal, but more is grown in the Loire Valley. The tasting was comprised of 18 wines (too many!)for 12 tasters. Below are the wines that were of the greatest interest, with my notes and scores. 

2010 Domaine Gerard Boulay Sancerre, Clos Beaujeu - This showed that Sauvignon Blanc can age well. It showed a gold color and a floral nose of pear, peach, citrus, pear blossoms, lemon verbena and flint stone. The flavors were distinct, dry and saline with a dry finish. 18.5/20 points.

2015 Guiraud Bordeaux Blanc Sec - This is a dry white from Chateau Guiraud in Sauternes. It showed a light gold color and intriguing aromas of pear, peach, melon, lemon curd and wet stone. The flavors were crisp and minerals, with fine delineation. 18.5/20 points.

2017 Gittau Pouilly-Fumé Clos Joanne d'Orion ($35) - Pouilly-sur Loire is across the river from Sancerre and the wines are similar. This one displayed a light gold color and flowery aromas of white lilac, wildflowers, wet stone and whiffs of smoke. The flavors comprised typical Upper Loire Sauvignon, with notes of minerals and precise fruits. 18.5/20 points.

2017 Henri Bourgeois Sancerre, "Les Baronnes" ($29.99 - wine.com) - Henri Bourgeois is a respected producer in Sancerre. The cuvée showed a light gold color and typical aromas of pear, peach, wet stone and smoke, with nicely fruited and delineated flavors that finish dry and balanced. 18.5/20 points.

2017 Henri Bourgeois Sancerre, "Les Monts Damnées" ($36.99 - wine.com) - This tête cuvée was outstanding. It showed a lemon-gold color and aromas of apple. gooseberry, lemon curd, jasmine, wildflowers and smoke. The flavors were elegant and finely delineated, with notes of flint stone and grape skins, followed by a long, precise finish. 19/20 points.

2016 Château Carbonnieux Graves Blanc ($36) - This was by far the best Bordeaux Blanc of the tasting. Composed of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon, it exhibited a medium gold color and rich aromas of pear, peach, lime, meadow flowers and jasmine. The flavors were saline and precise, marked by the classic "Graves" mineralogy. The finish was long, dry and invigorating. 19/20 points. 

2017 Domaine Thomas Sancerre, "Les Comtesses" ($29.99 - wine.com) - This was another fine Sancerre. Lemon gold colored, it possessed a nice perfumed nose of pear, peach, lime, gooseberries, white flowers and white smoke. The flavors were saline and precise, with a long, steely but finely fruited finish. 19/20 points.

2015 Blanc de Chasse Spleen Bordeaux Blanc - This was another fine Bordeaux Blanc. Brilliant lemon-gold colored, it emitted floral aromas of apple, citrus, peach and lemon verbena. The flavors were balanced and precise, with notes of straw and minerals, and a touch of toasty oak. 18.5/20 points.

2015 Domaine Fleuret Sancerre, "Côte de Marloup" - This was a nicely aged Sancerre. It showed a gold color and a smoky nose of pear, peach and gunflint. The flavors were well delineated, underlain with a fine richness and a long, crisp, finely balanced finish. 18.5+/20 points.

There also were two other Bordeaux Blanc wines, a 2017 and 2016 Blanc de Lynch Bages. Both came on as being pleasant but uncomplex and middleweight. Given the prestige of Lynch Bages, it is outrageous that such wines should be offered at $60 a bottle. 

I brought two bonus wines, a 2018 Sancerre Rosé from Isabelle Garrault and a 2017 Domaine Thomas Sancerre Rouge. Sancerre is thought of as being white wine, Sauvignon Blanc. But some red and rosé is produced from Pinot Noir. Everyone liked both wines.

  1. Celebrating Fifty Years in the Wine Industry
  2. International 2018 Rosés and 2017 Beaujolais
  3. A Tasting of German Rieslings
  4. Visits to Valdemar Estates