WTN: My French Party Part I (Now Part II, too)

We had some no-shows, so the menu was somewhat unbalanced (MEAT. More MEAT. (scallops, though) and CHEESE Lots and lots of cheese)

Lots of wines sampled tonight. The BIG LIST in my order of preference:

Almost the universal favorite was a surprise--not a "common" wine grape at all--2005 Domaine Andre et Mirelle Tissot Arbois Poulsard. Light ruby color. Amazing aromatics of black and red berry fruit. Delicious acidity. Amazing acidity! Herbal and savory notes. Alive, almost ELECTRIC wine. Earth, herbs, berries, and pepper. The attendees were by no means not all "wine geeks" but almost everyone loved the liveliness of this wine. 18+ I guess another trip to Terroir Wine Bar is in order--some requests for future purchases were made! I love this wine!

My second wine, and another favorite of many: Domaine Gramenon Cote de Sud 2006 (Syrah) Another "lively" organic wine. Smooth black and red fruit. Fantastic acidity. No obvious meatiness, but the pepper provided a smooth and interesting "floor" to this hot climate Southern Rhone Syrah. Impressive! 16/20+

Domaine La Suffrene Bandol 2003. This was not a universal favorite, but I really enjoyed the black fruit and licoice of this wine. 15.5/20

More wines tomorrow!

Almost the universal favorite=was a surprise-not a "common" wine grape at all-2005 Domaine Andre et Mirelle Tissot Arbois Poulsard. Light ruby color. Amazing aromatics of black and red berry fruit. Delicious acidity. Amazing acidity! Herbal and savory notes. Alive-almost ELECTRIC wine. Earth, herbs, berries, and pepper. The attendees were by no means not all "wine geeks" but almost everyone loved the liveliness of this wine.

I'm digging the way your palate seems to be taking to these Natural Wines. And, glad that this one was such a hit. I bought a bottle at Terroir this week myself, looking forward to opening it.

As far as "common", poulsard is quite common in the Jura. So, it all depends where you're sitting

And too bad for the no-shows, I guess there was more wine for you..

[James Roscoe]

There is a problem with meat and cheese?

Great notes!

Yep, Rahsaan: It seems the woo-woo "works"

Or, at least the partners at Terroir know what to bring in.

A few more from last night:

Gerard Boulay Sancerre Chavignol 2006: What a lovely wine! delicious blast of grapefruit, but with a very savory underpinning of minerality. I will buy again. 16/20+

The only reason I didn't rank the Boulay higher was the second white: Jean Pierre et Jean Francois Quenard Chignin Bergeron Vielles Vignes 2006 Found at K&L on Fourth Street. Glowing yellow in the glass. Smooth texture with a blast of very nice Chardonnay- citrus fruit. What I liked, though, was the underpinning of savory minerality. 17.5/20+ Another buy again.

Some French Transplants on California soil:

Michel-Schlumberger Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Dry Creek. Totally undistinguished. Heck, I can remember nothing distinctive about this wine at all. 10/20

Beaucanon Reserve Merlot Napa 2000 Some people really liked the fruity intensity of this wine. I found it unmemorable. Given that it was more expensive than the Poulsard, I know where I am spending my money. 10/20 (my palate, others higher)

Chateau Clerc Millon 2000 Purchased at K&L, so I assume the storage was decent. Disappointment of the night, given the rave reviews on Cellartracker for this wine and vintage. Just flat. Not bad, but...No spark. Not much flavor, frankly. I've had raw young 2005 cheapies I found more enjoyable. Is it simply corked (I am not good at distinguishing cork taint) or is the wine shut down? The folks on CellarTracker didn't find it flat. 11/20-and this would have gotten me two bottles of Poulsard.

Ted the Mule 2006 Cotes du Ventoux Syrah-Grenache. California alcohol levels (14%). I am embarrassed to admit-I liked this $8.99 "Critter Wine" (bright solid yellow label with a red simple shadow drawing of a kicking mule) more than the Clerc Millon Blast of strawberry fruit (but not sweet) with a delicious savory kick and pepper from the Syrah. Whjat a great everyday pizza wine-the store owner said people weree buying cases of it, and I understand why. Not profound or deep or intellectual, just tasty. Based on QPR and simple goodness, 15/20. God, for the same price one can get vile industrial plonk from Manteca!