2009 François Chidaine, Touraine (rouge):
13% alcohol, a blend of Pinus d’Aunis, Côt and Cabernet Franc; opaque, dark ruby; reticent nose controlled mostly by the cabernet franc; rich but bright in the mouth with plum, herb and mineral tones, juicy and bursting with flavor, no green, concentrated and intense; long and grippy. Gives the impression that one could add water and it would still taste like good wine, such is the concentration, and yet, it’s not out of shape or weighty. I bet this will last a very long time in the cellar but it’s delicious now.
And off the charts with burgers and fries.
Thanks Brad.
2005 de Villaine, Bourgogne Blanc Les Clous:
Clean and correct chardonnay with some flesh, no wood and good depth. Not extraordinary but quite good alone and excellent with margarita pizza. FWIW, one of the few chardonnays, outside of Chablis, that I enjoy.
2009 Scholium Project, “The Prince in his Caves”:
Starts out stinky with perm solution on the nose but that blows off after about ½ hour; texturally like raw silk, considerable tannin and grip, tastes like grapefruit and nectarine and lasts on the palate. Not for everyone but I like it and nice with carrot soup. This is sauvignon blanc that has some extended skin contact.
2005 Vissoux, Moulin-à-Vent:
Fruit sweet, luscious and almost opulent; good structure but you have to hunt to find it, beautiful ripe gamay and pinot-esque flavors and good sustain. With lamb kebobs, just superb.
2009 Edmunds St. John, Rocks and Gravel:
Precise, compact and delicious. Makes me think of medium rare steak that is perfectly cooked – that is, savory and oh so fulfilling. A terrific wine, even at this young age. Must buy more . . .
Best, Jim