2011 François Raveneau Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre - France, Burgundy, Chablis, Chablis 1er Cru (6/22/2016)
Very fine though very young, this did not have the laser focus I expect from MdT, but rather a more expansive, mouth coating combination of ripe fruit and minerals. It has great persistence, and it's ultimately delicious, but it feels a bit like an Austrian Gruner Veltliner due to the breadth/richness on the palate.
2011 Marcel Juge Cornas - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas (6/22/2016)
Thanks to Salil for opening this...
I was immediately struck by an exotic aromatic, mingling sandalwood and cedar (it actually reminded me a bit of a young Mouton), which then gave way to a classic blend of Northern Rhone Syrah elements - meat, warm herbs, seared bacon fat and stone. On the palate there was more of that meaty character, along with black olives and pepper spice. It's only medium weight, which made it very easy to drink, but I really just wanted to smell it, and keep experiencing that mix of the exotic and the classic.
There are a few wines that are so aromatically captivating that I don't care all that much if I ever taste them. This is one of those. I could be perfectly happy just smelling the wine, but if someone wants to force me to drink it then I am good with that as well!
