So last night the village wine club did French wine as a theme. Any grape, as long as it was French. About 60 people and bottles showed up. Not expecting, frankly, anything noteworthy to appear I wasn't armed with a notepad or a camera, but I was actually a little impressed with the variety, especially the reds, including a lot of unfamiliar but delicious Bord Sups.
2021 Saint Cosme Côtes du Rhône
At the better end of the range for $15 CdRs. Rich red fruit, focussed yet supple, impressive QPR. Everybody loved this wine.
2022 Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages Gamay
Like another poster, I occasionally buy a bottle of Jadot because once I had an amazing bottle. I get that it's a futile exercise but still I do it. Well, I didn't buy this, someone else brought it the party, but of course I leapt on the chance to try it. And guess what, it's actually kind of amazing. At a crossroads of perfectly ripe but not overripe raspberry and black currant that plays down the undercurrent of thyme and tomato leaf, and it has great body, balance and finish. Exceeds expectations on every level.
2005 Château Les Bertrands Cuvée Vieilles Vignes Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux Red Bordeaux Blend
This was one of my offerings. Found this in my cellar earlier in the day--had no idea they were there--wanted to try one and at this event, be it good or bad, no one would notice or care. Opened it, found it light but still present, then checked back on it several times over the course of three hours and was surprised at the extent to which it improved instead of fading out of sight. Not great mind you, but more than passable, especially for 70% merlot at 19 years. Really came alive with food.