Details

Cooling weather in early October, followed by intermittent rains brought on a shorter, more compressed than usual grape harvest in the Columbia Valley. Grape picking commenced in early September and much of the harvesting occurred during mid to late September. This week (October 28 - November 1) most growers have completed harvesting. 

Quality is expected to be excellent as many growers and winemakers say higher acid and phenol levels will contribute producing wines of complex aromas and flavors. 

For pictures of grape harvesting by roving photographer Richard Duval, go to www.greatnorthwestwine.com.

 

Details

Over the past few weeks, we have been drinking a variety of wines from France and Italy. Some were tasted at Esquin's 50th Anniversary Celebration on October 12, some purchased there, and others from wine.com and The Thief Bottle Shop in Walla Walla. Here are my notes and scores. 

Bordeaux

At Esquin's 50th Anniversary Celebration Pasternak Imports had a table featuring Bordeaux wines from three well-known properties. 

2015 Château de Pez, Saint Estèphe ($59.99 - Esquin) - Composed of 53% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this showed a deep ruby color and intense aromas of blackberry, cherry, plum, crushed black roses, tobacco, violets and incense. The flavors are vigorous, typicaL of Saint Estèphe, with notes of licorice, dark cocoa, French roast and minerals. The penetration continues on the back with macerated fruits, mocha, and pencil lead, followed by a firm yet ripe tannin finish. 19/20 points.

2015 Château Bourgneuf, Pomerol ($74.99 - Esquin) - This Merlot dominated wine offers a deep ruby-garnet color and a rich, smoky nose of dark fruits - blackberry, cherry, plum - with scents of crushed black roses, pipe tobacco, mulberry, truffles (a trait of Pomerol) and smoldering incense. The flavors are thick and chewy, underlain with licorice, chocolate and minerals. The chewy textured back reveals sensations of macerated fruits, roasted nuts and charcoal, followed by a long, ripe tannin finish. 19+/20 points.

2015 Reserve de la Comtesse, Pauillac ($84.99 - Esquin) - This is the second wine of Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and comes mostly from younger vines. It shows a deep ruby-crimson color and seductive aromas of blackberry, cherry, cassis, crushed roses, sweet tobacco, sandalwood and incense. The flavors are well delineated, with notes of licorice, Swiss chocolate, French roast and gravelly minerals. The back picks up pressed berries, roasted nuts, mocha and creme de cassis and kirsch liqueurs, followed by a lingering sweet-dry tannin finish. 19+/20 points.

Beaujolais and Burgundy

2018 Château de Pizay Morgon ($16.99 - Esquin) - We stayed two nights at the Château in 2014. This young red shows a purplish ruby color and effusive aromas of raspberry, strawberry, currant, red roses and whiffs of pink incense. The flavors are expressive of the Gamay grape with bright red fruits that are imbued with red licorice, cocoa powder and granitic minerals. On the back, the wine turns supple and approachable, with touches pressed berries, toasted hazelnuts and creme de cassis, followed by a ripe soft tannin finish. Great value at this price point. 18+/20 points.

2018 Anne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie "Les Cocottes" ($26 - The Thief) - Brick red colored, this emits enticing aromas of wild strawberries, red currants and cherries with scents of red roses, sweet pea flowers and pink incense. The flavors are medium bodied but substantial, with supple red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, medium roast coffee and pink granite minerals. On the back, the wine gains vigor with sensations of pressed fruits, fraise and kirsch liqueurs and touches of nougat and pencil lead, followed by a slightly chewy soft tannin finish. A real charmer. 18.5/20 points.

2017 Domaine Yohan Lardy Chénas, "Les Deschamps" ($25 - The Thief) - This shows a ruby-crimson color and a lovely nose of strawberries, red currants and pomegranates, wild red roses and whiffs of pink incense. The medium bodied flavors, as well, are alluring, with mouth caressing red fruits that are imbued with red licorice, cocoa, black tea and hillside schist minerals. The back picks up fraise and cassis liqueurs, toffee and pomegranate seeds on the way to a pleasing soft ripe tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

2017 Daniel Bouland Chiroubles "Chatenay" ($37 - The Thief) - This is priced higher than most Beaujolais, but well worth it. It displays a deep ruby color and seductive aromas of wild fruits - strawberries, blueberries, black currants - with scents of crushed roses, sweet pea flowers, violets and oriental incense. The flavors, as well, are alluring, with layers of generous yet well structured red and blue fruits that are intermingled with red licorice, cocoa powder, black tea and granitic minerals. On the back, the wine invigorates with sensations of macerated berries, crème de cassis and pencil lead, followed by a lingering grainy yet smooth tannin finsish. 19/20 points.

2016 Domaine du Prieuré Savigny-les Beaune "Mutier Amet" ($29.99 - Esquin) - Brick red colored, this possesses a typically Burgundian nose of fraises de bois, cherry, cassis, crushed roses, tobacco leaf and wood smoke. The medium bodied Pinot Noir flavors are ample, yet focused, with notes of red licorice, cocoa powder, black tea and earth. The back picks up fraise and crème de cassis liqueurs and roasted nuts, followed by a pleasing moderate tannin and acid finish. 18.5/20 points.

Côtes du Rhone

2016 Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc ($41.99 - Esquin) - We have had this Domaine's reds before (see the 14 August posting below), but this is our first white from this property. It shows a brilliant lemon-gold color and intriguing aromas of Bosc pear, white peach, Crenshaw melon, citrus, pear tree flowers, lemon verbena, anise, wet stone and white incense. The flavors are vivid and laser-like, with notes of pear skin, peach stone and mas minerals. The back picks up poire and pêche liqueurs, melon rind, and a touch of crème fraiche and a twist of lemon zest, followed by a brisk yet lingering finish. 19/20 points.

2015 Famille Perrin Vinsobres "Les Cornuds" ($17.99 - wine.com) - This 50/50 Grenache-Syrah combination offers a deep ruby color and rich aromas of raspberry, black currant, plum, black roses, tobacco, garrigue, olive and incense. The flavors are thick and direct, with notes of licorice, chocolate, coffee and minerals. The chewy textured back picks up roasted berries and nuts, mocha and charcoal, followed by a ripe sweet-dry tannin finish. 18/20 points.

2015 Domaine Montirius Vacqueyras "Garrigue" ($26.99 - wine.com) - Composed of organically grown 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, this displays a deep ruby color and a rich, smoky nose of raspberry, black currant, plum, black roses, tobacco, garrigue (lavender and herbs) and spiced incense. The flavors are supple yet robust, with notes of licorice, cola and scorched earth. On the back, the wine gains intensity, with roasted berries, chestnuts, mocha and burnt charcoal, followed by ripe moderate tannin finish. Fine value. 18.5/20 points.

Southwest France

2015 Château Laffitte-Teston Madiran, Vieiiles Vignes ($19.99 - Esquin) - Made from the indigenous Tannat grape, this presents a deep ruby color and a smoky (a trait of Tannat) nose of wild fruits - raspberries, black currants, plums - with scents of black roses, mulberry, pipe tobacco and spiced incense. The flavors are robust yet approachable, with notes of licorice, roasted coffee beans and gravelly earth. On the back, the wine softens up a bit, with macerated berries, roasted nuts and framboise and cassis liqueurs, followed by a chewy sweet-dry tannin finish. Terrific value. 18.5/20 points.

2015 Mas Champart St. Chinian, "Clos de la Simonette" ($29.99 - wine.com) - This is a flavorful combination of 65% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache and 15% Carignan. It shows a deep ruby color and intense, smoky aromas of blackberry, black currant, bayberry, black roses, mulberry, pipe tobacco, lavender and spiced incense. The flavors are thick and generous, with notes of black licorice, cocoa, French roast and Languedoc scorched earth. The intensity continues on the back with macerated fruits, grilled nuts and burnt charcoal, followed by a ripe chewy tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

Italian Piedmont

Among the wines poured at Esquin's 50th Anniversary event were the following wines. One of the highlights of the tasting was a presentation of the prestigious Gaja wines.

2015 Gaja "Sito Moresco" Rosso ($54.99 - Esquin) - Composed of 35% Nebbiolo, 25% Barbera, 35% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this possesses a deep ruby color and intoxicating aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, cassis, crushed roses, tobacco, crushed roses, mulberry. and oriental incense. The flavors are simultaneously opulent and focused, with notes of licorice, dark cocoa, Italian roast and minerals. The penetration continues on the back with sensations of roasted berries and nuts, touches of leather and lanolin, followed by a lingering sweet-dry tannin finish. 19/20 points.

2015 Gaja Barbaresco ($249.99- Esquin) - This is the epitome of Barbaresco Nebbiolo. Deep ruby garnet colored, it possesses an intoxicating nose of semi dried fruits - blackberry, cherry, plum, fig, orange - with scents of crushed roses, sweet tobacco, sandalwood, road tar, violets, and oriental incense. The flavors are powerful yet velvety, with notes of licorice, Toblerone chocolate, espresso and crushed minerals. The penetration continues on the back with macerated fruits, dried orange peel, vanillin and graphite, all leading seamlessly into a long, long sweet-dry tannin finish. This about has it all - at a price - and will have a great future. 19.5+/20 points.

See below for the Gaja Tuscan reds.

2014 Alba Rocco Barbaresco ($59.99 - Esquin) - This is an estimable Barbaresco. Ruby garnet colored, it possesses the classic Nebbiolo aromas of semi dried fruits - blackberry, cherry, plum, cassis - and scents of crushed roses, mulberry, tobacco, orange peel, tar and smoldering incense. The medium full bodied flavors are bold yet elegant, with notes of red licorice, cocoa, espresso and hillside minerals. The penetration continues on the back with sensations of roasted berries and nuts and recurring tar and orange peel, followed by a lingering sweet-dry tannin finish. 19+/20 points.

Tuscany

2016 Argiano "Non Confunditur" Toscana Rosso ($18.99 - Esquin) - "Non Confunditur," meaning "unique" is the Argiano motto. This presents a ruby-garnet color and rich aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, rosebuds, tobacco, rosemary, sage and sweet incense. The flavors are medium bodied, with generous yet focused red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa and hillside earth. On the back, the wine turns supple yet chewy, with pressed fruits, hazelnuts and mocha, followed with a dryish, savory moderate tannin finish. 18/20 points.

2016 Polizano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ($30 - The Thief) - Not to be confused with the Montepulciano grape, this is produced from Sangiovese (85%), locally called Prugnolo. It shows a brick red color and smoky aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, bayberry, semi dried roses, tobacco, rosemary and incense. The medium bodied flavors  mirror the aromatics with chewy red fruits that are intermixed with red licorice, cocoa, black tea and hillside minerals. The back picks up pressed fruits, roasted hazelnuts and dried cherries, followed by a ripe dryish tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

2016 Castello dei Rampolla Chianti Classico ($38 - The Thief) - This is a classy Chianti. It shows a ruby color and seductive aromas of raspberry, cherry and plum with scents of crushed roses, tobacco, rosemary oregano and whiffs of wood smoke. The flavors mirror the aromatics with expansive yet focused red fruits that are intermixed with licorice, Italian roast and hillside minerals. The wine intensifies on the back with sensations of macerated fruits, mocha and tart cherry, followed by a toasty sweet-dry finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2016 Gaja Ca' Marcanda Toscana Rosso ($49.99 - Esquin) - Composed of 55% Merlot, 35% Syrah and 10% Sangiovese, this wine exhibits a deep ruby color and floral aromas of raspberry, cherry, currant, rose petal, sweet tobacco, lavender and incense. On the palate, the Merlot comes through with supple, yet focused red fruits that are endowed with licorice, cocoa, medium roast coffee beans and Tuscan hillside earth. The back picks up pressed berries, roasted hazelnuts and mocha followed by a lingering ripe dryish tannin finish, 19/20 points.

2016 Gaja Ca' Marcanda "Magari" Bolgheri Rosso ($69.99 - Esquin) - Bolgheri is a prestigous DOCG near the Tuscan Coast. A blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, this offers a ruby-crimson color and rich, smoky aromas of cherry, plum, currant, crushed roses, rosemary, sage, a hint of mint and wafts of spiced incense. The flavors are thick and chewy, almost opulent, yet elegant, with notes of licorice, dark cocoa, Italian roast and sand and loam minerals. The penetration continues on the back with sensations of macerated berries, roasted nuts and graphite, followed by an herb and spice dusted sweet-dry tannin finish. 19+/20 points.

 

Details

Last week, Lynn and I were on the west side of the State (which is why there was no Review Blog posting). First, we drove from Walla Walla to Bellevue for lunch and then to Chuckanut Drive, south of Bellingham for two nights. We had two delicious seafood meals at the Chuckanut Manor and the Chuckanut Oyster Bar. On Thursday, we went back to Seattle. We tasted wines at Structure Cellars, Latta and Kerloo on Friday at the SODO Urban Works Wineries south of Spokane Street. Reviews will be in the November issue of the Review of Washington Wines.

The big event was Saturday, October 12 from 11 to 5, when Esquin Wine Merchants celebrated 50 years as a wine retailer. I was the founder back in 1969 and ran the store for 27 years until I sold it to Chuck Lefevre in 1997. I worked as a consultant for ten years after that, mainly writing the Esquin newsletter. It was an event that I couldn't miss. It was a really big celebration: all wines and spirits on sale, food, wine tastings, raffle prizes, the works. Chuck and his daughters Stephanie and Alisha (who now run the business) were on hand. And I got to meet former Esquin customers all the way back to the beginning (when the store was on First Avenue South and had an underground cellar). The wine tastings were first rate. Pasternak Imports poured some very fine  Bordeaux: 2015 Chateau de Pez, St. Estephe, Ch. Bourgneuf, Pomerol, 2015 Reserve de la Comtesse and 2012 Ch. Pichon Lalande from Pauillac. I bought a few bottles of these wines. Another table had some impressive Italian wines including the 2014 Alba Rocco Barbaresco. I also found a 2014 Louis Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, from a legendary winery. Long Shadows poured a new Sauvignon Blanc, along with the Feather Cabernet Sauvignon, Pedestal Merlot and Chester-Kidder Red Blend. Washington State was also represented by Woodward Canyon, L'Ecole No. 41 and others. A highlight was a tasting of Gaja wines, including the 2015 Barbaresco, 2015 Sito Moresco Langhe Red and 2016 Magari Bolgheri Red Blend. At the end of the event, I congratulated Chuck for continuing the Esquin tradition and he congratulated me for getting it started.

On Sunday, we went to Woodinville to visit the Warehouse and Artisan Districts wineries which are open weekends only. These included Kevin White, Savage Grace, Tinte Cellars, Three of Cups and Finn Hill. These will be reviewed in the November Review of Washington Wines. On Monday, we drove back to Walla Walla. 

 

Details

Last Sunday, September 29, Lynn and I hosted a singles wine tasting. In my wine collection is a medley of single bottles. Some were given to us by friends and some are extras from samples received as well as remnants from purchased bottles from around the world. I assembled a selection of these wines for what turned out to be an interesting and exceptional wine tasting. Here are the highlights.

2012 Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard Bâtard-Montrachet, Grand Cru - This really stood out. Deep gold colored, it possessed a rich, almost spicy nose of semi-dried fruits and minerals. At seven years of age, it was still finely fruited and developing the complexities of a mature white Burgundy, turning nutty delicate and lingering on the finish. 19.5/20 points. 

2012 Georges Vernay "Coteau de Vernon" Condrieu - This was the other standout white, produced from the Viognier grape. Coteau de Vernon is Vernay's top cuvée. It showed a deep gold color, turning amber and luxuriant aromas of semi dried fruits, orange peel and perfumes. The flavors were rich yet laser-like with plenty of backbone to carry it over seven years. With touches of hazelnut and lemon peel, the finish was complex and exquisite. 20/20 points.

2015 Louis Jadot Chambolle Musigny Les Baudes, Premier Cru - This was a lovely red Burgundy. Medium brick colored, it emitted lovely, perfumed aromas of strawberries, cassis, violets and incense. The flavors were medium bodied and mouth caressing yet forceful, with touches of nougat and toast accenting the red fruits, followed by a long, complex finish. Tasted even better the next day. 19.5/20 points.

2012 Domaine Dubreuil-Fontaine Corton-Bressandes, Grand Cru - This was a beautifully matured Burgundy from a fine but not great vintage. It showed a brick red color with an edge of garnet and rich, earthy bouquet, evocative of the Bois de Corton, along with whiffs of wood smoke. The flavors were medium bodied but full and round, with a long, elegant finish. 19+/20 points.

2013 Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf du Pape, "Les Hautes Brusquières" - This South Rhone red showed a brick red color with garnet edges. The flavors were beginning to mature, with a smoky bouquet and rich, round fruits that were turning slightly nutty, showing the masculinity of old vines in the long, fleshy finish. 19+/20 points.

2013 Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino - This was the star of the Italian wines tasted. Garnet colored, it possessed aromas of semi dried fruits, dried rose petals, tobacco and smoke. The flavors were authoritative, rich, sweet-dry, followed by a long, complex finish of hazelnuts and Amaro. 19.5/20 points.

2013 Pio Cesare Barolo - This was classic Nebbiolo from the Italian Piedmont Langhe. Garnet colored, it had a classic nose of semi-dried fruits, dried rose petal and tar. The flavors were in the traditional style, but with flair. The back picked up roasted berries and hazelnuts, followed by a long finish that was imbued with dried fruits and Amaro. 19+/20 points.

2010 Clos de L'Oratoire Saint Emilion Grand Cru - This 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc from Bordeaux' Right Bank showed a ruby-garnet color and smoky, earthy aromas of roasted berries and nuts. The medium full bodied flavors were fine and fleshy, rounding out nicely and marked by notes of roasted coffee and steely minerals, followed by a long sweet-dry finish. 19/20 points.

2012 Chateau Lascombes, Margaux - This Haut Medoc red was composed of 48% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. It melded these varieties together nicely, with rich aromas of semi dried fruits and wood smoke and flavors of roasted berries and nuts, mocha and toffee, followed by a lingering finish with the tannins smoothing out. 19/20 points.

2011 Pavelka Dunaj Vino Cervené Red Wine - This Slovenian wine was quite interesting. I researched Slovenian wines, but was unable to determine the varieties in this wine. It showed a deep ruby color and an earthy nose of dried fruits and wood smoke. The flavors mirrored the aromatics with notes of licorice, cocoa and grilled meats. The finish showed considerable depth and length. 19/20 points.

2016 Adams Bench Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, Red Willow Vineyard. - This was left over from samples sent. This came on as being highly distinctive, with classic Cabenet aromas and deep authoritative flavors, well structured, yet expansive, marked by dark fruits, integrated oak and an incredibly long finish. This is testimony to Mike Sauer;s viticultural expertise.It will have a great future. My score: 20/20 points, based on potential, the same as in my Review in the March issue of the Review of Washington Wines.

 

 

Details

When buying French wines, we are looking for value, wines that offer exceptional quality for the price. The Classified Growths of Bordeaux and the Premier and Grand Crus of Burgundy are expensive and are reserved for special occasions. But there are plenty of affordable French wines that offer high quality for their prices. Here are some such wines that we have tasted recently.

Bordeaux 

While the Classified Grand Vins of the Medoc are costly. there are fine values from the Right Bank of the Gironde, from communes such as Fronsac, Saint Emilion and its satellites such as Montagne-Saint Emilion and Cotes de Francs. From south of Bordeaux, there is Graves and in the Haut Medoc, affordable Crus Bourgeois can be found. Recently, I purchased a bunch of Bordeaux wines from wine.com. Here are our finds.

2016 Clos du Roy, Fronsac ($15.99) - Fronsac is situated northeast of Pomerol. This version is comprised of 90% Merlot and 5% each of Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon. It shows a purplish ruby color and rich aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, crushed roses, tobacco and incense. The medium full bodied flavors are akin to those of Pomerol, with thick, generous red and blue fruits that are intermixed with licorice, cocoa, French roast and minerals. The back picks up pressed fruits, roasted hazelnuts and kirsch, followed by a chewy moderate tannin finish. 18+/20 points.

2016 Château Marsau, Francs-Côtes de Bordeaux ($!9.99) - The Côtes de Francs is situated north of Saint Emilion. All Merlot, this wine offers an opaque purplish-ruby color and rich, almost sweet aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, crushed black roses, mulberry, tobacco and smoke. The flavors are thick and generous, with notes of licorice, dark cocoa, French roast and black earth. The saturation continues on the back with roasted berries and nuts, mocha, lanolin ("legs") and graphite, followed by a slightly grainy ripe tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

2016 Château La Bastienne, Montagne-Saint Emilion ($19.99) - As the appellation suggests, this comes from the mountain above Saint Emilion. This 100% Merlot displays a deep purplish ruby color and an intense nose of raspberries, cherries, plums, crushed roses, mulberry, sweet tobacco and spiced incense. The flavors mirror the aromatics with generous, yet focused red and blue fruits that are infused with red licorice, cocoa powder, roasted coffee beans and hillside earth and minerals. On the back, the wine turns deliciously velvety, with sensations of pressed fruits, roasted nuts, mocha and pencil shavings, followed by an herb dusted moderate tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

2016 Château de Pressac, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé ($34.99) - This is a blend of 71% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% each of Carmenère and Malbec. Deep purple-crimson colored, this wine emits sensuous aromas of blackberry, cherry, plum, cassis, rosebuds, pipe tobacco and spiced incense. The flavors are simultaneously lavish and muscular, with notes of licorice, chocolate, French roar and gravelly minerals. The penetration continues on the back with roasted berries, grilled nuts, mocha and graphite, followed by a grainy yet opulent ripe tannin finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2016 Château Fonroque, Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé ($39.99) - Composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, this wine exhibits a ruby-crimson color and a seductive nose of wild fruits - raspberries, old tree cherries and plums - with scents of rose petals, mulberry, sweet tobacco, sweet pea flowers and sweet incense. The flavors, as well, are alluring, with copious red fruits that are infused with licorice, bittersweet chocolate, French roast and calcareous minerals. On the back, the wine invigorates with sensations of macerated berries, roasted pecans, framboise and cerise liqueurs and graphite, followed by a lingering, decadent yet firm sweet-dry tannin finish. 19/20 points.

2015 Château Senéjac, Haut Medoc ($18.99) - A mix of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, this shows a deep ruby color and a smoky nose of blackberry, cherry, plum, rosebuds, tobacco and spiced incense. The flavors are robust and direct, with notes of licorice, bittersweet chocolate, roasted coffee beans and earth. The intensity continues on the back with macerated berries, roasted nuts and graphite, followed by a slightly grainy sweet-dry tannin finish that is lifted by bright fruit acids. 18+/20 points.

2015 Château Ferran, Pessac-Léognan ($24.99) - Situated south of Bordeaux, the commune of Pessac-Léognan in Graves is famed for its Château Haut-Brion. This blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot offers a deep ruby color and a rich, smoky nose of wild raspberries, old tree cherries, black currants, crushed black roses, mulberry, tobacco, sandalwood and incense. The flavors are thick and savory, with notes of black licorice, cocoa, roasted coffee beans and calcareous earth and gravel. The penetration continues on the back with sensations of macerated fruits, grilled nut meats and pencil lead, followed by a rich sweet-dry tannin finish. 18.5/20 points. 

Rhône Valley

The Côtes du Rhône offer many fine values, especially in the southern part of the Valley. Here are some recently tasted ones that are especially recommended. 

2018 Château d'Aqueria Tavel Rosé ($19.99 - wine.com) - New Review.  Composed of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Clairette, this is an extraordinary value. It shows a brilliant copper-pink color and enticing aromas of strawberries, pomegranates, currants, tangerine, rose petals, orange blossoms, lavender and spiced white incense. The flavors, as well, are alluring, with beautifully extracted red fruits that are accented by tangerine peel and mas minerals. The back picks up fraise and cassis liqueurs and pomegranate seeds, followed by a pleasingly juicy, lightly spiced dry finish. Lynn: three stars (highest rating). 19/20 points.

2018 Château de Ségeriés Tavel Rosé ($22.99 - wine.com) - The 2017 Ségeries was one of our favorites last year. This vintage does not disappoint. Brilliant pink-rose colored, it possesses effusive aromas of strawberry, pomegranate, currant, crushed red roses, tangerine peel, lavender and spiced pink incense. The flavors are crisp and vivid, with notes of grape skins, pomegranate seeds and mas soil stony minerals. The resonance continues on the back with sensations of fraise and cassis liqueurs, recurring tangerine peel and light spices on the dry finish that is lifted by balanced fruit acids. Lynn: three stars. 19/20 points.

2017 Delas "Les Launes" Crozes-Hermitage ($21.99 - wine.com) - This 100% Syrah offers a lot of varietal purity for the price. Reviewed in the 11 September Blog. In retasting, it advanced from 18/20 to 18+/20 points.

2016 Les Pallières "Terasse du Diable" Gigondas ($36.99 - wine.com) - This Brunier-Kermit Lynch collaboration scored 19/20 points in the 14 August Blog.

2015 Domaine de la Charbonnière Vacqueyras ($29.99 - Esquin) - From near Gigondas this predominately Grenache red offers a lot for the price. Reviewed in the 14 Blog - 18.5/20 points.

Beaujolais

The Crus of Beaujolais come from the best communes in the region. Produced from the Gamay grape, they are pleasingly fruited and very enjoyable to drink. Here are four of our favorites, all from the exceptional 2017 vintage.

2017 Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon, "Les Charmes" ($23.99 - wine.com) - First reviewed in the 14 May Blog, we retasted this wine recently and found it absolutely charming, with lovely aromas and fresh, vibrant fruit flavors that resonate from beginning to end. 18.5+/20 points.

2017 La Soeur Cadette Chénas ($26.99 - wine.com) - This wine is charming yet vigorous, with deep, generous flavors. We reordered more of this. 18.5+/20 points.

2017 Domaine Piron & Lameloise Moulin-a-Vent ($23.99 - wine.com) - The commune of Moulin-à-Vent produces some of the fullest bodied Beaujolais. This is a fine example. Reviewed 25 August - 18.5/20 points.

2017 La Tour du Fief Saint-Amour ($24.99 - wine.com) - Saint-Amour ("Holy Love") is a beautiful name and the wine is too. Reviewed 25 August - 18.5/20 points.

Other French Wines

Other regions of France produce excellent values, especially Alsace, the Lore Valley and the Southwest. Here are a few that we've tried recently.

2017 Trimbach Riesling, Vin d'Alsace ($25 - The Thief, Walla Walla) - Trimbach is a respected producer in Ribeauvillé. Made in a dry style, this shows a brilliant gold color and floral aromas of pear, white peach, citrus, pear tree blossoms, white lilac and wet stone. The flavors are bright and precise, with notes of peach stone, grape skin and flinty minerals. The back picks up poor William and pêche liqueurs on the way to a persistently minerally finish. 18.5/20 points.

2017 Albert Mann Gewurztraminer, Vin d'Alsace ($24 - The Thief) - Owned by the Barthlemé, this Domaine is located in Wettolsheim in the heart of the Vosges. This wine displays a brilliant gold color and rich aromas of pear, peach, apricot, a hint of papaya, pear blossoms, butternut, clover, anise and spiced white incense. The flavors are rich and spicy ("gewurz") yet restrained, with notes of licorice, semi dried fruits and stony minerals. The back picks up poire William and pêche liqueurs, lanolin ("legs") and roasted nuts followed by an initially sweet, then dry spiced finish. 18.5/20 points.

2017 Domaine Paul Thomas Sancerre, "Les Comtesses" ($29.99 - wine.com) - Reviewed 31 May, this was recently retasted. It shows an exceptional expression of upper Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc with a brilliant lemon-gold color and a perfumed nose of pear, peach, lime, gooseberry, white flowers and white smoke. The flavors are exceedingly precise, with notes of grape and pear skins and saline minerals. The resonance continues on the back with poire and pêche liqueurs and quince preserves, followed by a long, steely but finely fruited dry finish. 19/20 points.

2017 Domaine Paul Thomas Sancerre Rouge, Chavignol ($25.99 - wine.com) - Red Sancerre is made from the Pinot Noir grape and Chavignol is the best commune. Brick red colored, this possesses lovely, perfumed aromas of strawberry, cherry, currant, red rose petals, sweet pea flowers, orange peel, and whiffs of incense. The flavors are medium bodied and charming but substantial, with notes of red licorice, cocoa powder and alluvial minerals. The back picks up gently pressed fruits, fraise and cerise liqueurs and toasted nuts, followed by a pleasing soft tannin finish. 18.5/20 points.

2015 Domaine de la Lande Saint Nicolas de Bourgeuil ($27 - The Thief) - Produced from Cabernet Franc, this Loire red shows a deep ruby color and engaging aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, crushed roses, purple lilac, tobacco leaf and sage. The medium full-bodied flavors mirror the aromatics with notes of red licorice, cocoa, black tea and alluvial minerals. On the back, the wine turns bright and juicy, with sensations of pressed fruits, framboise and cerise liqueurs and soft pencil lead, followed by a ripe moderate tannin finish. A vin de plaisir. 18.5/20 points.

2015 Clos Siguier Cahors, "Les Camille," Vieilles Vignes ($23 - The Thief) - This Malbec from the Lot Valley in southwest France offers a deep ruby color and rich aromas of raspberry, blueberry, cherry and plum with scents of crushed roses, mulberry, tobacco and incense. The flavors are generous yet substantial, with notes of licorice, cocoa, French roast and calcareous minerals. The back picks up macerated berries, roasted nuts, framboise and kirsch liqueurs and plum, preserves, followed by a ripe moderate tannin finish. 18+/20 points.

 

 

 

  1. Harvest 2019 Update
  2. Still More French Wines
  3. Prepping for Fall Release in Walla Walla
  4. More Wines from France, Italy and California