Kissing frogs

Thankfully, I found a princess.

1992 Sullivan, Coeur de Vigne:
80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot, 13.2% alcohol; this has a smoky, fruit nose with a resolved fruit and smoke palate, lots of structure and a pretty good finish. But it has a slight note of mercaptan playing in the background that is enough to distract but insufficient to destroy. Not something to seek out.

1999 Girardin, Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses:
Muddled on the nose and palate without any Chambolle character; still, good with meat-loaf and corn. It’s intense, concentrated and pretty well balanced but it could be from anywhere – and when one is buying Amoureuses, that is unacceptable.

1999 Barthod, Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras:
Much like the foregoing wine; lots of concentration and intensity but muddy, characterless and a bit hard. Okay with food but this is disappointing.

1996 Joël Taluau, St.Nicolas-de-Bourgueil VV:
Sandalwood, fading flowers, red fruit and just a hint of dried herb; visceral in the mouth with juicy flavors that echo the nose, a musky, slightly rustic overall delivery and a 1500 thread count texture; smooth, mouth-watering finish. I never had a better cabernet franc.

Best, Jim

While making a 2005 Cab Franc using an exotic yeast, I failed to add enough yeast nutrient, resulting in the formation of mercaptans. I tried an after-the fact fix and it was reduced considerably, but not completely. I was hoping that a few years in the bottle would eliminate it, but I guess it can remain after 18 years. Maybe I'll try a bottle of it tonight.

While making a 2005 Cab Franc using an exotic yeast, I failed to add enough yeast nutrient, resulting in the formation of mercaptans. I tried an after-the fact fix and it was reduced considerably, but not completely. I was hoping that a few years in the bottle would eliminate it, but I guess it can remain after 18 years. Maybe I'll try a bottle of it tonight.

I know there are many who disagree but, if I get a whiff of egg at any time, I think seriously of copper. Once those little suckers go di or tri, the cure is worse than the disease.
Best, Jim

thanks as always.
"could be from anywhere" - oft the case with Girardin.
I've decided Barthod is one of those producers I'm supposed to like (based on others I respect), but often seem to disappoint.

Thankfully, I found a princess.

1996 Joël Taluau, St.Nicolas-de-Bourgueil VV:
Sandalwood, fading flowers, red fruit and just a hint of dried herb; visceral in the mouth with juicy flavors that echo the nose, a musky, slightly rustic overall delivery and a 1500 thread count texture; smooth, mouth-watering finish. I never had a better cabernet franc.

Best, Jim

Jim

Just did a search here on this wine wondering if it was time to open up. Wow, what a review. Will report back when we've had ours.

Tony