Here's another one of those wines where for the life of me I can't reconcile what I found the wine to be with the description of the wine in the offer. The disparities are so much greater than just the difference between two people's palates.
What the offer described: a wine that would not be out of place in Vosne Romanee. This is silky, sultry red plum elegance with a unique spice-laden, light textured and velveteen palate that was achieved from what would be considered ultra-ripe grapes in 2005. With a color that is almost clear cherry red and a feminine charisma with delicate sap from the century old vines...minerality and grace...finely sifted tannins...appears to be simple, light and obvious but is anything but.
That sounded a lot like the only other Pineau d'Aunis I've ever had which I believe was a Joe Dressner import, Belliviere or something like that. And which I loved, so I eagerly bought six.
What I found in my glass: dark and purple. Terrific pepperiness and spice with a panoply of black plum and black raspberry. Has an awkward, parched mouthfeel and finish from what seems like too much grape skin extractedness as well as gritty tannins. Refreshingly different and enjoyable nonetheless, but jeepers, this just just isn't the same wine he describes. I'm starting to wonder if he actually tastes the wines he sells (I probably should have wondered before, call me gullible.)
