French Wine Reviews

Red Wines in Purple ~ White Wines in Green

Rosé in Orange

Reviews:

2000 Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Grand Cru “Les Clos” France $46

A very good wine with a beautifully glowing straw color. Apple, flinty minerals, and pear aromas. Dry, delicate, sophisticated, and complex. I do not detect any oak in the flavors or aromas, so if they did use oak, they used very little. Flavors of green apples, wet rock, lime, and stone fruit. There is a lot going on here, in a subtle way. The finish is dry and clean with hints of citrus.

Tasted 4/19/03

2001 Chateau Graville-Lacoste Graves Bordeaux, France $10

Light straw in color with grassy aromas. On the lighter side of medium bodied and dry. Kiwi, citrus, asparagus, and Sauvignon Blanc varietal character. There is a slight touch of sweetness but it finishes dry.

Tasted 4/20/03

1999 Antonin Rodet Bourgogne Pinot Noir France $10

This is a nice Pinot Noir made in a typical French Bourgogne style, dry, and light to Medium bodied with good acidity. A clear color of brick red with good aromas of black cherry and mixed berries. Elegant and crisp on the palate with flavors that match the aromas and a touch of oak. The finish is dry. A good food wine and a good value too.

Tasted 4/17/03

2001 R. Dubois Pouilly-Fuisse’ “Les Vieilles Vignes” France $18

Vieilles Vignes means that the wine is made from older vines, in this case, Chardonnay. A light but bright and glowing gold color with a slight hint of green. Melon, pear and mild vanilla-oak aromas. Dry and light to medium bodied with a lively acidity. Clean and crisp on the palate with flavors of green apples, kiwi, and lemony notes with a hint of vanilla. The finish is very dry. Probably because this wine is so young, there is a slight sulfur taste in the background that should disappear with a few months in the bottle Calls for food like a white fish or shellfish.

Tasted 4/5/03

2000 M.Chapoutier Les Beatines “Coteaux D’ Aix en Provence” France $7

This is a light, clean and dry wine from the beautiful region of Provence. The color is surprising deep with golden tones and hints of age. The nose is light with apple and apricot aromas. Light in body with honeyed white fruit flavors and a dry finish. A good picnic wine and worth the $7

Tasted 4/4/02

1999 M.Chapoutier Domaine De Saint-Esteve “Coteaux D’Aix en Provence” France $7

Provence is the most Mediterranean wine growing region in France. Mostly dry rose’ wines are produced here but when you do find a red wine like this one it is akin to a good Cote du Rhone in style and flavor. Many of the same grape varieties are grown here as in the Rhone Valley. This wine shows good color with burgundy-red hues. It is rich on the nose with black cherry and plum aromas. Dry, medium bodied, and well structured with good deep fruit, fine tannins, and 14% alcohol. Rich flavors of blackberry, cherry, and chocolate. The finish is dry and lingers on the palate. All in all it is a warm feeling and full flavored red wine.

Tasted 4/8/03

1982 Chateau Haut-Bages Libéral Pauillac, Bordeaux $150

I have been storing this bottle in my wine cellar since the ’82 Bordeaux’s were first released, so I know it has been stored correctly. When I opened it the cork started to crumble so I had to proceed with caution as to not let any cork fall into the bottle. The operation was a success and my first little fright was over. Next fright was smelling the wine while still in the bottle, it seemed to have turned bad. I poured it into the glass and the aromas became worse. I started to explained to my wife that one of my greatest fears is letting a good wine age too long. After all those years of waiting for a special occasion to open a great bottle and finding out it over the hill, is shattering. After about 10 minutes of bumming out I lifted the glass to my nose and guess what? The bouquet started to open up and transform into a beauty. I tasted it and Wah La! I have a wine at its fullest expression of maturity. This has happening to me before when opening older wines. After being closed in a bottle for many years it seems that a wine needs a few minutes to wake up and stretch a bit. But don’t wait too long to drink an older bottle that is uncorked because it will open up and then start to deteriorate very quickly. With some old wine you have about a one-hour window of opportunity to drink it before it starts to fall apart. This wine had a 3 to 4 hour window.

The color is surprisingly dark and vibrant with a blackish red hue in the center and a touch of orange-rust color at the very edge. The bouquet is refined and delicate with dried fruit, prunes, stewed fruit, and port-like aromas. This wine is at the end of it peak and if you have a bottle, drink it soon, its not getting any better… Dry, delicate and mellow in structure with some of those subtle qualities and complexities found in an older wine. The flavors like the aromas have mellowed and gelled together to form a new entity. The fruit is still there, and so are the varietal characteristics of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape with complex flavors of ripe blackberry, and silky dark fruit that glaze the palate. The nature of the flavors in an older wine can be compared to the making of a tomato sauce. Hey! I’m Italian, tomato sauce is the first thing that comes to mind. After you put all the ingredients in the saucepan and start cooking the sauce you can still taste and smell each individual flavor. But after an hour or two the flavors and aromas start changing and blending together. After another hour or two it changes even more and the flavors you tasted when you first started cooking the sauce are faint whispers within the new flavors created from cooking, or in the case of wine, from aging. The finish is complex and long with silky flavors that just keep on coming. The wine is still good but, for my taste and preference, I wish I had opened it a year or two ago.

Tasted 5/18/03

1996 Chateau La Cardonne Medoc Cru Bourgeois Bordeaux, France Magnum $24

Made from 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. When first opened this wine is tight, tannin, acidic, and a bit green tasting. But after being opened for an hour or more it starts to open up and keeps on improving as the hours go pass. It shows a dark garnet color with blackberry, black cherry, and oak aromas. Very dry with noticeable tannins and oak. When this wine has seen two or more hours of breathing it open up and reveals classic Bordeaux characteristic, aromas, and flavors. The flavors are well proportioned with berry, dark fruit, and vanilla-oak. The finish is dry and tannin. Can use another 2 to 3 years in the bottle.

Tasted 5/13/03

2000 Chateau des Tours Cote-du-Rhone Reserve France $16

A bit costly for a Cote-du-Rhone, but this wine is a notch above your average wine from this appellation. Estate-bottled and a bit more complex and interesting then one would think. It shows a bright burgundy-red color and aromas of black plum, and mixed berries. Dry, medium bodied, soft on the palate, but with some firmness in the structure. Small red berry flavors mixing with dark summer fruit, and soft tannins running in the background. The finish is dry with some fruit and a dash of crisp acidity.

Tasted 5/23/03

2001 La Cour Pavillon Bordeaux France $8

A clean, simple, and fruity wine that shows some of the varietal characteristics of the

Merlot grape. This wine is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Soft and plumy

on the nose and the palate with red fruit and berry flavors. The finish is soft and dry. A good quaff for the price

Tasted 5/21/03

1998 Domaine Ponavoy Chassagne-Montrachet Burgundy, France $28 (I found it on sale for $18 at The Vineyards Wine & Sprit Shop in Middletown N.Y.)

This wine is bigger is style then one would expect from a Chassagne-Montrachet. A bit oaky with some heat on the nose and palate, somewhat in the style of a California Chard. A clear and deep golden-yellow color. The nose is full with stone fruit, pineapple, and oaky aromas. Medium to full bodied, and dry, while coating the palate with an oily texture. Flavors of poached pear, white peach, some tropical fruit, oak, and a vain of lemon-lime acidity running in the background. The finish is dry and hot with the fruit flavors lingering on the palate. This wine is nearing the end of its peak so drink over the next 6 months.

Tasted 5/8/03

2000 Château La Massonne Bordeaux Superieur France $12

This wine is made from 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot. The property is situated 40 km South East of the city of Bordeaux in the Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux area, on the west side of the Gironde River, across from Graves. The soil here is gravel on chalk with a clay base.

Young looking with a medium depth of purple/red in color. A nice Bordeaux-like bouquet of blackberry, oak, vanilla, and black cherries. Medium bodied and clean on the palate with soft tannins and a soft mouth-feel. Good balance with flavors that resemble the aromas. The finish is dry and soft. Easy drinking.

Tasted 3/21/02

1999 Olivier Leflaive Chassagne-Montrachet Burgundy, France $39

A very nice wine that shows class and refinement. The color is a medium tone of bright gold with just a splash of green tint. The bouquet is layered with toasted bread, hazelnut, vanilla oak, and light cream. Medium bodied with a graceful and clean mouth- feel. More refined then powerful with a nice acidity and complex flavors that makes this wine go so well with food. The flavors resemble the aromas and delight the palate. A long and dry finish that calls one back for more. Worth a try for white Burgundy lovers.

Tasted 1/16/03

2000 Jacques & Francois Syrah “Les Bateaux” Vin de Pays d’Oc France $8

This is a very nice fruit driven Syrah from the south of France. Winemaker Jacques Lurton uses only the ripest of grapes from well-cultivated vineyards. This wine shows a dark red color with hints of purple. The bouquet is filled with plums, black cherry, wild berry, vanilla, and peppercorn aromas. Medium bodied, bright, fruity, and plumy on the palate with a nice hint of lively acidity. Flavors of red plum, mild spice, bacon, and vanilla. The finish is soft with lingering fruit.

Tasted 12/17/02

1997 Domaine Guyon Savigny Les Beaune 1er Cru “Les Peuollets” France $22

This Primer Cru red Burgundy (Pinot Noir) has a deeper color then one would expect from this type of wine. Black cherry, plum, and wild berry aromas delight the nose, while mixing with a hints of spice. Dry and medium bodied with woody notes and some roundness on the mouth-feel. The flavors mimic the aromas with oaky highlights. The finish is very dry, and showing refined tannins. This wine will improve with another year or two in the bottle.

Tasted 12/21/02

1999 Jaboulet-Vercherre Meursault France $60

A bit costly for a regular Meursault (a opposed to a Primer Cru) but it is equal to many Primer Cru Meursault s that I have recently tasted. (see the “Wines of the World” page on this web site for more about Primer Cru and how wine is rated in Burgundy).

This wine has a beautiful golden color with toasted nuts, apple, and late summer fruit aromas that are made more interesting by hints of oak. On the lighter side of medium bodied with a delicate mouth-feel and subtle complexities. It displays some of the class and grace that I look for in white Burgundy, but lacks some of the power one you expect from a Meursault. Excellent balance and a good lemon-like acidity. The flavors mimic the aromas with the addition of pear and almond. The finish is dry, very clean, and graceful. A very good wine but again, too expensive.

Tasted 1/30/03

2001 Jaboulet-Vercherre “Saint Amour” Cru Beaujolais France $13

In Beaujolais there are 10 Crus, which are smaller areas within the Beaujolais region that produce richer and more complex wine from the Gamay grape. Saint Amour is the northern most cru of the Beaujolais region. The wine has a dark burgundy red color. Aromas and flavors of black cherry, raspberry, and unripe plums. Drier and more firmly structured that I expected. There are some tart tannins and that carry on into the dry finish, which leaves raspberry and cherry flavors on the palate. This wine opened up and became richer and lusher after being open for an hour.

Tasted 2/4/02

1999 Jean-Luc Colombo Cotes Bleue Les Pins Couches “Coteaux D’Aix en Provence” France $30

This wine comes from the beautiful Provence region in the south of France. Dark red in color with black cherry and cassis aromas. Medium bodied and dry with fine tannins and good balance. Refined dark fruit and vanilla-oak flavors that end in a elegant and dry finish.

Tasted 9/2/02

1997 Comte Senard Corton “Clos Du Roi” France $80

This estate bottled Grand Cru red Burgundy shows a beautiful dark red color. Still a bit tight and closed this refined Pinot Noir has black cherry, oak and ripe fruit aromas. Dry, noticeable tannins with woody characteristics. Black cherry, red plum, spicy oak and lead pencil flavors that follow into the dry finish. A good wine but somewhat disappointing for the price. Will improve with age.

Tasted 9/12/02

2001 Mas De La Bergerie Vin De Pays “Coteaux De Bessilles” France $8

Purple in color with plum, violet, oak, and cassis aromas. Medium bodied with a dusty feel on the palate. The deep flavors are like the aromas and finish dry.

Tasted 10 4/02

The family owned winery of Andeol Salavert has been producing high quality and reasonably priced wines in the Rhone Valley for many years. Their wines are richly textured, hand-made, and reflect the terroir of each appellation.

2000 Andeol Salavert Cotes-du-Rhone-Villages “Reserve des Chapelains” France $9

A nice wine that offers good fruit and depth for the price. A deep blackish red in color with sweet black fruit, vanilla oak, and cherry aromas. Made from a blend of Grenache and Syrah, this medium bodied wine offers rich fruit, soft tannins, and a clean acidity. Blackcurrants, tart Japanese plums, prunes, and berry flavors that finish dry on the palate.

Tasted 10/8/02

2000 Andeol Salavert Vacqueyras Reserve France $11

Vacqueyras is in the southern Rhone Valley. Mostly red wine is grown here and it is made from the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault grapes. In most cases it is like a very concentrated Cotes-du-Rhone in a more rustic style. This wine has a deep purple-red color. The bouquet is also deep with ripe dark fruit, prunes, and black raspberry aromas. Medium to full bodied with layered fruit, a firm acidicness, and rustic tannins. The flavors are full with black cherry, raspberry, dark chocolate, and dried fruit. The finish is fruit driven and layered on the palate. Will improve with a few years in the bottle. To enjoy now, decant and let air for 2 hours or more.

Tasted 10/8/02

2000 Andeol Salavert Gigondas Reserve France $14

A great example of what a good Gigondas is all about. A blend of the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault. Brilliant dark red in color. The bouquet is succulent with blackberry, peppercorn, and new oak aromas. Medium bodied, and dry with a good firm structure, some complexity, and a fine balance between the fruit, tannins, and acidity. Black cherry, plum, spice, and oak flavors. The finish is dry with tannins. This wine is a bit closed and will improve with 2-4 years in the bottle.

Tasted 10/8/02

2000 Andeol Salavert Chateauneuf-du-Pape Domaine La Crau Des Papes France $19

A dry a stylish wine made from the Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre grapes. Dark cherry red in color with black fruit and spicy oak aromas on the nose. Very dry with tannins and plenty of oak on the palate. A little light for a Chateauneuf, but what it lacks in body it makes up for with class and price. Black cherry, dark fruit, mixed spice, and oaky flavors with a lively acidity. A refined and very dry finish. Cellar for 4+ years.

Tasted 10/8/02

2000 Jean-Luc Colombo Cote Bleve Les Pins Couche’s ‘Vin de Des Bouches Du Rhone’ France $22

This wine is showing a good brilliant gold color. Sweet aromas on the nose and a soft feel on the palate. Medium bodied and crisp with a slight touch of sweetness. Green apples, and young pear flavors with some tangy notes. It finishes dry.

Tasted 8/30/02

1998 Cave De Tain L’Hermitage Crozes Hermitage “Les Nobles Rives” France $12

I tasted and reviewed this wine back in December of 2000 (see French Wine Reviews) and thought it was still tight and closed back then, needing a few years of ageing. Well to my surprise it’s still closed and hard on the palate.

Made from the Syrah grape and grown in the steeply sloped Northern Rhone Valley this wine is showing a dark blackish-red color. A bouquet of dark fruit and oak. Medium bodied with hard tannins, a firm structure, and dry on the palate. Flavors of black plum, chocolate, bitter fruit, earth, and oak with a dry finish. Back in 12/00 I gave this wine a 3-½ “grape cluster” rating, but after tasting it again it seems to be losing its fruit while the tannins are not softening up at all, therefore it now receives a lower rating. It is possible that it could be going through a ugly duckling stage so I will taste it again in a year or two and let you know.

Tasted 8/16/02

From the heart of Burgundy, come the wines of Jaboulet-Vercherre

Among the outstanding wine-producing houses in Burgundy, Maison Jaboulet-Vercherre is world-renowned for its Pommards and exclusive Burgundies. From its state-of-the-art distribution center in Beaune, the company sends its famous Comtes de Chartogne, Pommards du Domaine du Clos de la Commaraine, and other quality wines throughout France.

Jaboulet-Vercherre's winemaking activities are now concentrated at the historic Château de la Commaraine, built in 1112 at Pommard. The Château is the private home of Chief Managing Director Pierre Jaboulet-Vercherre’s father, Michel Jaboulet-Vercherre, but also houses the most important winery of the Domaine, surrounded by beautiful vineyards that attract a steady stream of tourists. The Château produces such highly reputed wines as Clos de la Commaraine, Beaune-Clos de L'Ecu, Beaune-Bressandes, and Volnay-Caillerets. Its most prominent speciality, however, is the Comtes de Chartogne. Connoisseurs both in France and abroad list this fine, rich, fruity Burgundy as a leading wine.

Jaboulet-Vercherre is producing sophisticated and expressive Burgundy wines at all price and classification levels. These wine are classic and good quality examples of Burgundy wines. Over the next few months we will be tasting and reviewing these handcrafted Pinot Noir and Chardonnays.

1999 Jaboulet-Vercherre Bourgogne Cotes D’Auxerre France $13

The Cotes D’Auxerre is located next to Chablis in the most northerly of Burgundy’s wine growing regions. This Chardonnay is golden-straw in color. A well-balanced bouquet of ripe pear, golden apple, and honeydew melon. Medium bodied, dry, and balanced with a rounded mouth-feel. The flavors are well integrated with honeyed golden fruit, almond, clean minerals, and vanilla. Delicate with a clean and dry finish. A good value.

Tasted 9/5/02

1999 Jaboulet-Vercherre Bourgogne Cotes D’Auxerre France $14

This well-made Pinot Noir shows a clean and light to medium depth of red color. A harmonious bouquet of wild berries and spicy oak. On the lighter side of medium bodied with a dry and balanced mouth-feel. A good acidity that adds interest to the small black fruit, red cherry, vanilla, and mild spice flavors. Some soft tannins and a fair amount of complexity for the price. The finish is dry and soft. After an hour of breathing this wine will soften up, put on some weight, and show off it's fruit flavors more.

Tasted 9/5/02

2000 Jaboulet-Vercherre Chablis France $17

This is a textbook example of a Chablis with all the characteristics that make these wines world-class. Yellowish in color with a green tint. Crisp aromas of young apple, tart fruit, and minerals. Very dry and clean on the palate with an understated complexity. Green pear, Mackintosh apple, wet rock, mineral, and delicate citrus flavors that stay crisp and clean into the dry finish. A good quality, Chablis at a reasonable price.

Tasted 9/9/02

1995 Perrier-Jouet “Fleur De Champagne” Cuvee Belle Époque (flowered bottle) Champagne, France $130.00

This wine is showing a brilliant and beautiful straw color with a bouquet of ripe golden fruit, toast, and roasted nuts. Surprisingly full in style compared to Perrier-Jouet wines I have tasted in the pass. Showing delicateness and power simultaneously while being refined on the palate. Delicate flavors of golden apple, mixed nuts, yeast, and almonds with a lively acidity. A good mouth-feel that starts of with a slightly tart crispness then becomes ripe and nutty on the mid-palate, and then gracefully evaporates on the tongue leaving soft white fruit flavors on the finish.

Tasted 9/1/02

1998 Chateau Pitray Cotes de Castillon Bordeaux, France $9

This estate-bottled wine is from the Cotes de Castillon region, which is just east of St-Emilion. Wines from this region are mostly Merlot based and offer better structure then wines with a “Bordeaux Appellation”.

A dark purplish red color. Blackberry and vanilla-oak aromas. Dry, medium bodied, good structure and concentration of fruit. Plenty of oak on the palate with again blackberry, and vanilla flavors with the added dimension of plums, and cassis. The finish is dry with lingering fruit notes. A good value.

Tasted 8/31/02

2000 Domaine de Vaufoget Vouvray Lorie Valley, France $8

Made from the Chenin Blanc grape the wines of Vouvray can vary from very sweet to dry and acidic with everything in between. This wine starts off dry and ends with a nice soft sweetness. Light in body with tart green fruit flavors that mingle well with this wine's fruity sweetness. Pleasant and refreshing.

Tasted 7/13/02

2000 Domaine De La Solitude Cotes du Rhone France $9

I enjoyed and review the 1999 last year (see French Wine Reviews). This wine has many of the same characteristic as the ’99 but is deeper in fruit, lighter in body, and hotter on the palate. Not as classy as the ‘99 at this point, but it should become more harmonious with 5 or more months in the bottle. Still a good wine that is still well worth the price.

Tasted 7/13/02

2000 Domaine Jean-Noel Gagnard Chassagne Montrachet-Les Masures Burgundy, France $38

This Premier Cru white Burgundy is a standout. A sheen yellow-gold in color with flinty golden fruit, and delicate white raisin aromas. A good sweet acidity and plenty of terroir. Complex and dry with stone fruit, and silky components. The layered flavors stay on the palate into the long and dry finish. While enjoyable now for its freshness, it is still young and will improve and become richer and more complex with two or more years in the bottle.

Tasted 7/22/02

2000 Chateau La Croix de Guillot Premieres Cotes De Blaye Bordeaux, France $8

The town of Blaye is just across the Gironde River from Margaux. There are over 11,000 acres of vines planted with mostly Merlot and a small percent of Cabernet Sauvignon. Good values are coming from the ‘Premieres Cotes De Blaye’ appellation and this is one of them.

Reddish purple in color. The bouquet is attractive with berry, current, and oak aromas. On the lighter side of medium bodied and dry with good balance and a smooth texture. Cherry, plum, and oak flavors that finish dry.

Tasted 7/12/02

1999 Domain Henri Germain Meursault Burgundy, France $33

This regular Meursault is better then some Premier Crus I have recently tasted. Gold in color with a bouquet of autumn fruit and toasted nuts. Medium bodied, smooth, and layered on the palate. Very balanced with delicious flavors of orange cream, ripe peach, vanilla, and well-intergraded oak, adding complexity. Light in style for a Meursault. The finish coats the palate and is dry.

Tasted 7/21/02

1999 Chateau Gallais Bellevue Medoc Bordeaux, France $12

A nice "estate bottled" Bordeaux for the price that seems to be more Cabernet Sauvignon based then Merlot. A good purple-red color with black cherry, oak, and vanilla aromas. Firm in structure and medium bodied with some noticeable tannins that will shed their hardness with a few years in the bottle. After being opened for a while, this wine shows dark berry, cherry, oak, and cassis flavors that have length and continual into the dry finish.

Tasted 7/18/02

1999 Domaine Piccinini Minervois France $11

Minervois is in the Languedoc region of southern France and like many wines in this area it is made from a blend of grapes including Grenache and Syrah. Showing a maroon color with a deep bouquet of ripe dark fruit, red plums, and peppercorn. Dry and balanced with flavors that resemble the aromas. The finish is dry with a pleasant tartness and cherry notes.

Tasted 7/6/02

2000 Chateau Les Nicols Bergerac Sec France $5

This white Bergerac (an appellation just west of Bordeaux) is a light, clean, and refreshing wine that’s great for summer weather and lighter foods. Gold in color with a crisp bouquet of tangy fruit. Dry fruit flavors and a clean finish. Great Value!!!

Tasted 6/13/02

2001 Deschaux Merlot Vin De Pays d’Oc France $5.50

Light to medium in color. The bouquet is on the light side with dark fruit aromas. Dry and clean with rustic flavors and a dry finish.

Tasted 6/13/02

1999 Mommessin Pommard Burgundy, France $32

A beautiful red color with a wonderful bouquet of sweet berry, vanilla, and oak aromas. Cherry, cream, mixed berries, and balanced oak flavors that continual into the dry finish. A bit too acidic on the palate. The bouquet is the best part of this wine.

Tasted 6/15/02

1999 Mommessin Chassagne-Montrachet Burgundy, France $30

An elegant and sophisticated wine with a bright golden color. The bouquet is complex with toasted nut and golden fruit aromas. Medium bodied with a silky feel and layered flavors of lichee nut, golden apples, ripe tree fruit, and toasted nuts. It finishes with grace and complexity.

Tasted 6/14/02

1998 Chateau Pouilly Pouilly-Fuisse Burgundy, France $19

A deep and brilliant golden color with ripe fruit aromas. Medium bodied and showing some age while not being too old at all. Pear, ripe apple and vanilla flavors with a dry finish.

Tasted 6/14/02

1999 Louis Jadot Saint-Veran “Chapelle aux Loups” France $14

All the grapes in this Saint-Veran come from the “Domaine de la Chapelle aux Loups”. Golden in color with a toasty, nutty bouquet of golden apples, almonds, and oaky aromas. Medium bodied, well structured, some complexity, and dry with an elegant but flavorful mouth-feel. Balanced flavors that mimic the aromas. The finish is dry with some balanced oak notes. Works well with many dishes, and is also a delight to just sit and sip.

Tasted 6/25/02

1999 Jean-Marc-Brocard Sauvignon de St-Bris Domaine Sainte Clair France $8

Made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape in the commune of St-Bris-le-Vineux west of Chablis. Technically a Burgundy but made from a non-Burgundian grape. It lacks the breed and concentration of a Sauvignon from Sancerre in the Loire Valley but can still be an appealing wine in a simple way. A nice straw color with a grassy nose. Clean green fruit with citrus flavors and a slight touch of sweetness in the mid-palate. A balanced and dry finish.

Tasted 6/7/02

1999 Jean-Baptiste Adam Riesling Reserve Alsace, France $12

This is a great wine to try if you would like to taste the noble Riesling grape unmasked by any sweetness. A bright golden color. Steely fruit aromas of green fruit and minerals. Dry and medium bodied. Showing green apple, dried flowers, lemon, and some tangy flavors. The finish is dry and clean. Works well with many lighter foods.

Tasted 5/10/02

2001 La Porte Du Caillou Sancerre Loire Valley, France $15

This estate bottled Sauvignon Blanc has a light gold color with green fruit, citrus, and grapefruit aromas. A bright and crisp feel on the palate. Tangy flavors of lemon and grapefruit with a lively acidicness. The finish is dry and clean.

Tasted 4/6/02

2000 Domaine Delaye Saint-Veran “Les Pierres Grises” Burgundy, France $11

This is a firmly structured chardonnay with good balance. A brilliant gold in color with apple, creamy vanilla and oak aromas. Medium bodied, dry and balanced with oak highlights. A very clear feel with apple, and white fruit flavors. The finish is dry and works well with food.

Tasted 4/27/02

1998 Chateau Yon Lavallade “St Emilion” Bordeaux, France $15

A brilliant purple-reddish color with toasty oak, vanilla, and sweet blackberry aromas. Medium bodied with good balance and a softer structure for a Bordeaux. Creamy blackberry flavors mixing with toasty vanilla oak. A harmonious and dry finish.

Tasted 3/24/02

2000 Louis Bernard “Cotes-du-Rhone Villages” France $10-11

Cotes-du-Rhone Villages is a smaller area within the Cotes-du-Rhone appellation. The “Villages” has a reputation for producing slightly deeper and more complex wines then a wine with a Cote-du-Rhone appellation. In many cases this is true but not always, there are also many exceptions. Deeply colored with purple-black tones and a fruity bouquet of wild berries. Medium bodied, soft, and fat on the palate. Black plum, and berry flavors with a touch of spice that lead into a round and soft finish.

Tasted 3/28/02

2000 Louis Latour Pinot Noir Bourgogne Burgundy, France $10

A light cherry red color. The bouquet has raspberry, cherry, and oaky aromas. Dry with some tannins and oak touches that mingle with the cherry and berry flavors. This lighter bodied red wine finishes dry.

Tasted 3/16/02

1997 Domaine Leflaive Blagny 1er cru “Sous le Dos D’ane” France $22

This Primer Cru red Burgundy has a medium depth of cherry-red color. The bouquet reveals cherry, wild-berry, and oaky vanilla aromas. A dry, medium bodied wine that is still young, showing tannins, and a bit closed. The aromas of this wine are also reflected in the flavors. On the acidic side, but with seemingly solid enough fruit to hold out till this wine sheds it’s tightness. The finish is dry and lingers with fruit flavors. Put in the cellar for 4 to 6 years. If you must drink it now, open and let air for 4 hours or more.

Tasted 3/24/02

1999 Mommessin Pouilly-Fuisse Burgundy, France $15

This wine has a golden color with green pear, and tart apple aromas. Crisp, lively, and slightly silky on the palate. Well structured with clean and balanced flavors of apples, pears and a touch of oak. The flavors carry through this wine’s dry finish.

Tasted 3/15/02

1999 Domain Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc Burgundy, France $45

Domaine Leflaive makes some of the greatest white wine in the world, and I am always grateful for and opportunity to taste them. Regrettably, Domaine Leflaive wines also come with a heavy price tag. As much as I love Domaine Leflaive, it’s hard to digest a $45 price tag on a Bourgogne Appellation wine. On the other hand this is one of the best Bourgogne Appellation wines I have ever tasted, and is better then some other white Burgundies I’ve tasted, that you would normally expect to cost this much.

A golden-green color with ripe golden fruit, oak, vanilla, and musty forest floor aromas. This medium bodied wine is showing great balance, refinement, and a rich texture. It’s like a cross between a Puligny-Montrachet and a Meursault. Apple, ripe pear, oaky vanilla, and other complex flavors that work so well within this wines framework. It has some of those sort after qualities found in Primer Cru white Burgundies.

Tasted 3/15/02

1997 Mommessin Meursault Burgundy, France $36

Mommessin is one of those “big house” negociant of Burgundy that is producing good wines at every level. This Meursault has a rich golden color with a full bouquet of nuts, smoky oak, and ripe golden fruit. Silky and rich on the palate with good acidicness and balance. This wine has more richness then some of the Premier Cru Meursault I have recently tasted. Ripe pear, nuts, toasty oak, and creamy vanilla flavors. The finish shows balance, and coats the mouth with a rich feel and lingering fruit.

Tasted 3/15/02

2000 Hugel Pinot Blanc “Cuvee Les Amours” Alsace, France $12

Hugel has been making good wine in Alsace for a long time. For me Pinot Blanc sometimes works better than new-world chardonnay with certain dishes because of its firmer structure, dryness, and higher acidity. This wine has a light golden color with a bouquet of spice and green melon. Dry with a drop of lively tartness. Citrus, green pear, and vanilla flavors with a dry and structured finish.

Tasted 2/22/02

1999 E. Guigal Cote-du-Rhone France $11

A nice Cote-du-Rhone with a solid blackish-red color. The bouquet is light and offers fresh plum aromas. Plump, ripe, and soft on the palate which is balanced by a nice acidicness. Red plum, dark fruit, and plum skin flavors. It finishes dry with lingering fruit flavors.

Tasted 3/11/02

1999 Domaine Raimbault-Pineau Sancerre Loire Valley, France $15

This Estate bottled Sauvignon Blanc has a bright golden color with citrus and mineral aromas. Very dry, crisp, and lively on the palate. Fresh grapefruit, and pineapple flavors with a touch of smokiness. The flavors seem to just pop open on the palate. It finishes dry and clean. Another delicious wine from Signature Selections.

Tasted 2/17/02

2000 Cave De Lugny Macon-Lugny “Les Charmes” France $9

I have tasted and enjoyed almost every vintage of this wine since the mid-seventies, and year after year they put out a classy Chardonnay made from older vines. The color is a pale gold. The bouquet is clean with nutty aromas and crisp fruit on the nose. A dry wine with a delicate mouth feel. Almond and golden apple flavors, with just the right amount of toasty oak. The flavors carry on into the clean and smoothly textured finish.

Tasted 2/18/02

1998 Laboure-Roi Nuits-St-Georges “Les Damodes” France $42

This Pinot Noir is from the appellation of Nuits-St-Georges in Burgundy. Located in the northern half of the Cote d’Or, called the Cotes de Nuits. This wine is from a Primer Cru rated vineyard named “Les Damodes” (see “Wines of the World” on this wed site to read more on how wines are rated in Burgundy).

This wines is a light to medium in color with a beautiful reddish hue and a touch of orange/pink around the edges. A penetrating bouquet of fresh raspberries, cherries, and spicy oak. Delicate and dry with woody tannins. Red cherry, and boysenberry flavors presenting themselves upon a background of forest wood and dried mushrooms. The finish is very dry, refined, with the fruit flavors peaking-through the refined tannins. This wine opened up after an hour and a half of breathing in the bottle but after being opened for three hours the fruit started to fade. 1998 was not a long-lived or very good vintage in Burgundy, so I would drink this bottle over the next 18 months.

Tasted 2/24/02

1999 Trimbach Pinot Gris Reserve France $16

A rich golden color with smoky fruit on the nose. Full on the palate with a crisp feel. Deep flavors of apricot, spice, and smoked ham. The finish is dry and lush.

Tasted 2/7/02

1999 Trimbach Gewurztraminer France $17

A brilliant and deep golden color with a beautiful and balanced nose of flowers and spice. Medium bodied and very balanced flavors and texture on the palate. This wine is a textbook example of an Alsatian Gewurztraminer with rose petals, spice, golden fruit, and peaches on the palate. The finish is long with persistent fruit flavors .

Tasted 2/7/02

1999 Domain Brusset “Cairanne” Cotes Du Rhone Village France $13

This wine is very clean and crisp and at the same time showing good richness and balance. Gold in color with a beautiful bouquet of pear and apple with a hint of candied fruit. Medium bodied with excellent balance and an elegant structure. The flavors are crisp and refined with green pear and vanilla. The finish is very clean and bright on the palate.

Tasted 2/27/02

2000 Chateau de Sancerre “Sancerre” France $16

This Sauvignon Blanc wine from the Loire Valley is light golden in color. Lively lemon, mineral, and smoky fruit aromas. Light in body with a fresh and crisp feel on the palate. The flavors are bright and well structured. Peach, lemon, grapefruit, and green fruit flavors. The finish is clean and dry while leaving a slightly oily residue. Works well with seafood.

Tasted 2/7/02

1999 Clos De L’Eglise LaLande De Pomerol France $15

This Merlot based (and you can taste the Merlot characteristics right away) has a reddish purple color. Oak, vanilla and dark fruit on the nose. Light to Medium bodied. A bit closed at first but starts to open up after an hour of breathing. Blackberry, anise, oak, and vanilla flavors with fine tannins which continual into the dry finish. A few years in the cellar will improve this wine.

Tasted 2/14/02

2000 B&G Muscadet Serve. et. Maine France $9

A golden color with a light tart fruit bouquet. Very dry with a tangy feel. The flavors are light with green melon and apple. The finish is dry and pale.

Tasted 2/7/02

2000 Chateau de Domazan Cotes du Rhone France $6

This wine is surprisingly good for the price. A bright and deep purple color. Berry fruit on the nose. Well structured with a soft and smooth mouth-feel. The fruit is right up front with blackberry, plum, and cherry flavors. The finish is smooth and warm. A great value!

Tasted 2/10/02

1999 La Syrare d’Alain Gallety France $39

This wine is 100% Syrah with a deep purple color and deep spicy fruit on the nose. Smooth and creamy rich with layers of blackberry, vanilla, chocolate, dark fruits and a touch of pepper. What a great and full mouth feel that finishes with length, class and richness. A great bottle of wine.

Tasted 1/25/02

2000 Chateau Paul Mas Coteaux Du Languedoc $15

I have reviewed Paul Mas wine before in these pages and they have always received high scores from me. This wine and his Vinus are outstanding wines for the price. Well made, classy, and estate bottled this wine is a pleasure to drink. In general the Languedoc region in the south of France is turning out some of the best values on the market today.

A beautiful reddish purple color. The bouquet has deep dark fruit aromas and a creamy sweetness to it. Medium bodied and dry with a silky feel on the palate. Wild berries and plum flavors that mix well with this wines vanilla notes. The finish is dry, with length and ripe fruit flavors. Will improve with 3+ years in the bottle.

Tasted 1/28/02

1998 Georges Burrier “St. Veran” France $10

A well made St Veran that shows good balance and structure. Golden yellow in color with toasted nuts and pear-like fruit on the nose. Dry and delicate on the palate with good apple fruit, toasty flavors, and a creamy texture. Some oak and green fruit on the finish.

Tasted 1/29/02

1999 Domaine Saint Luc ‘Cotes du Rhone Villages’ France $14

A pleasant and easy to drink, estate bottled wine. Ruby red in color with a fresh fruit bouquet. Medium bodied with a soft feel and simple but appealing red berry flavors. The finish is dry with bright fruit highlights.

Tasted 1/2/02

1998 Domain Jobard-Morey Meursault ‘Poruzot’ Premier Cru France $50 This wine comes from the Premier Cru vineyard named “Poruzot” in Meursault (see “Wines of the World” for more about the wines of Burgundy and how they are rated). In the early days of California Chardonnays it was the wines of Meursault that many winemakers looked at as a model of what great Chardonnay should be.

A beautiful golden color with a creamy bouquet of toast, ripe peaches, almonds, and a very balanced touch of vanilla oak. Medium bodied, well structured, and rich in glycerine, adding a smoothness and oily quality to the mouth-feel. On the front of the palate there is a taste of oak with crisp lemony-acidic touches, quickly follow by silky flavors of toasted almonds, summer fruit, vanilla, butter, and green apples. The finish coats the palate with a velvet texture and crisp fruit flavors. This wine really opened up after airing in the bottle for an hour or more. It became richer and more complex, this along with it’s firm structure, acidicness, and young fruit show that this wine will still develop with 2-5+ years of aging.

Tasted 1/6/02

1998 Georges Burrier “Pouilly Fuisse” Cuvee Claire Marie Burrier France $19

A very nice Pouilly Fuisse with a yellow-straw color. Golden pear, and nutty aromas on the nose. Green melon, and apple flavors with a touch of carmel and vanilla. This wine has an elegant structure and shows some firmness. It finishes dry with green fruit flavors. Shows many of the textbook characterizes of a Pouilly Fuisse. Drink now or over the next year.

Tasted 1/3/02

NV Laurent-Perrier Champagne Brut LP France $37

Yellow-golden in color. The bouquet is refined with nutty and creamy aromas. Medium bodied with an elegant structure. Lively lemon and lime flavors with delightful yeast and minerals notes. This Champagne has grace and complexity. The finish is light and fine with a delicate feel.

Tasted 12/28/01

1999 Jean Pabiut Pouilly Fume “Domaine des Fines Caillottes” France $16

A very good and elegant Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley. The word Fume’ is French for smoke and these wines are known for having a subtle smoky quality to them. A very delicate wine with a light golden color. The bouquet is flinty with mineral, smoke, and green fruit aromas. A crisp and refined feel on the palate. Dry with bright green apple and grapefruit flavors. The finish is refined with a touch of tangy flavors. Works very well with food.

Tasted 1/3/02

1999 Les Jamelles Chardonnay France $8

Good focus and balance for a wine at this price. Light golden in color with vanilla and soft fruit on the nose. Apple, and butterscotch flavors are revealed in this medium bodied wine. It finishes dry and balanced.

Tasted 1/3/02

1999 Les Jamelles Merlot France $8

Burgundy red in color. The bouquet has black cherry and plum aromas. Soft on the palate and light in body with berry flavors and a clean finish.

Tasted 1/3/02

N.V. Veuve du Vernay Blanc de Blanc Brut France $7

A well structured and appealing sparkling wine for the dollar. Apple and toasty aromas. A clean and crisp feel with nice young fruit and just the right amount of yeastiness on the palate. The finish is dry and leaves one wanting more. This has to be one of the best sparklers I have every tasted in this price range. Perfect for holiday Parties or for everyday enjoyment.

Tasted 10/16/01

1999 Domaine André Neveu, Sancerre “Le Manoir” France $18.00

This is a old-vine Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre in the Loire Valley. A crisp, very balanced, complex, and elegant style of Sauvignon Blanc. Light golden in color. The bouquet is refined and persistent with dried flowers, and grassy aromas. Very elegant on the palate with a smooth mouth feel. Light honeysuckle, herb, apricot, and green fruit flavors. The finish is graceful and coats the palate. This wine shows the subtle complexity and terroir that comes from older vines.

Tasted 12/3/01

1999 Jean-Claude Belland “Santenay” Red Burgundy $22

It’s always a pleasure to taste a red Burgundy (100% Pinot Noir), and so far the ‘99s are turning out to be a good vintage. Santenay is in the southern Cote du Beaune where mostly red wine is grown. Jean-Claude Belland‘s Santenay has a beautiful garnet-purple color of medium depth. Sweet plum and black cherry fruit on the nose with hints of oak. Dry and medium bodied, with delicate black cherry and other dark fruit flavors that mix well with classic Pinot Noir; lead pencil, forest floor, oak, and some vanilla flavors. Heady with 13.5% alcohol. A well structured wine with a dry finish that leaves the palate with all the complex flavors of this wine. This wine evolves in the glass and will improve with 3 to 6 years in the bottle. Because of it’s deep fruit this wine can be enjoyed now with 2 hours of breathing The bouquet alone is worth the price of this wine…

Tasted 10/31/01

NV J.B. Lechere Lech-Champagne 1er Cru Brut Rose France $36

We all are familiar with the big names of Champagne who are producing some of the most top-notch wines in the world. Luckily for us there are also some small, less known houses making high level Champagnes, and Lechere is one of them. This wine is made from grapes grown in “1er cru” rated vineyards. The color is a light rose-red with yeasty, berry aromas on the nose. An elegant and classy structure and mouth feel. Raspberries, rose petals, and complex flavors. A long and elegant finish. A super Champagne.

Tasted 9/25/01

1998 Domaine Notre Dame De Cousignac “Ardesc” France $10

Made from old-vine Grenache grapes this wine shows deep character, and is well worth $10. Dark red in color with sweet black plums on the nose. Medium bodied, very dry, with some soft tannins and a touch of lushness. Blackberry and plum flavors on the palate that follow through in the finish.

Tasted 11/6/01

1999 Domaine d’Andezon Cotes du Rhone France $13

Most Cotes Du Rhone’s are made from a blend of grapes, this one is 100% Syrah, which is the grape used in some of the top red wines of the Cotes du Rhone. A brilliant dark red color. The bouquet is filled with black cherry and chocolate aromas. Medium bodied with dry raspberry, and cherry flavors with a touch of soft tannins. The finish is dry.

Tasted 11/6/01

1983 Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande or “Pichon Lalande” Bordeaux, France An average of $125.00 to $195.00 a bottle and about $1250 a case, after searching the Internet…

The overall impression I received from this wine is that it’s at the beginning of its peek of maturity, because the tannins are soft, but most of all because the still well structured fruit is just beginning to fad a bit. It has a black-cherry red color with some orange and copper colors at the slightly fading edge of the glass. The nose is deep with current, truffles, cherry, chocolate, and mellow oak aromas. Still a touch tight when opened, but the tannins soften and blend with the bright fruit within a half hour. Medium bodied, and dry, with a delicate texture. The black- raspberry, current, and plum fruit flavors work well with the mellow oak, and chocolate. A soft finish that leaves the palate with a subtle but silky mouth feel and the flavors of this wine.

Tasted 11/11/01

1999 Domaine Sirugue Cote de Nuits-Villages “La Belle Marguerite” Burgundy, France. $15

’99 is turning out to be a great year for finding some nice rich red Burgundies at reasonable prices. Here is another example. This wine starts out a little tight but opens up after an hour of airing. A bright color of burgundy with sweet cherry, forest wood, and plum aromas. Medium bodied with crisp tannins and round but elegant fruit flavors of cherry, and wild berries. The fruit flavors offer some complexity and are made more interesting by the oak. A bit on the acidic side but should mellow out with a few years in the bottle. A delicate finish that delights the palate.

Tasted 11/14/01

2000 Domaine Brusset “Cotes du Ventoux” France $8 at The Vineyard Wine and Spirit Shop in Middletown N.Y.

This wine is very elegant and feminine in style. A brilliant purple color with a perfumed bouquet. Light in body with fresh berry flavors and a soft, dry finish. Great with light bistro. This is a red wine that white wine drinkers can enjoy too!!!

Tasted 10/13/01

1999 Domaine Mas Amiel “Hautes Terres” France $12 at The Vineyard Wine and Spirit Shop in Middletown N.Y.

Robert Parker Jr. calls this winery “One of the best keep secrets in France”. So don’t tell too many people about this wine, because then the price will go up. Dark burgundy in color, with plum, blackberry, and oaky aromas that also show up in the taste. Medium bodied, dry, with earthy flavors and tannins in the finish. Another great value from the Languedoc region.

Tasted 10/4/01

1999 Domaine De La Solitude Cotes du Rhone $ 7.99 at Liquor Outlet in Nanuet, N.Y.

I reviewed their 1998 Cotes du Rhone back in March of this year and gave it 3 grape clusters. Even though ’98 was an all-round better vintage in the Cotes du Rhone, I like Domaine De La Solitude’s ’99 Cotes du Rhone better. It is denser in color and structure then the ’98. Dark red in color with sweet black fruit aromas. A dry wine that coats the palate with a smooth texture. Plum and black cherry flavors, with a balanced finish. Their web site is: www.domaine-solitude.com check out the history of the Lancon family, it’s really interesting.

Tasted 10/14/01

2000 Domaine Bourdon Macon-Villages “Les Pierres Dorees” French White $11? at The Vineyard Wine and Spirit Shop in Middletown N.Y.

This estate-bottled wine is made from older Chardonnay vines. The color is a light pale-straw, and the bouquet exhibits spicy oak and dried flower petals. Dry, light to medium bodied, with toasted almond, oak, apricot, and green apple flavors. It finishes dry with a touch of round fruit. Will be even better with 6 months to a year in the bottle. A nice example of a Macon-Villages. Tasted 9/3/01

1999 Jean Garaudet “Monthelie” Red Burgundy, $21 at The Vineyard Wine and Spirit Shop in Middletown N.Y.

This is a Red Burgundy (100% Pinot Noir) from Monthelie in the Cote de Beaune. A well made wine with a beautiful purple color of medium depth. The bouquet exhibits deep black cherry and plum fruit, mixing with an earthy tart aroma. Medium bodied with a surprisingly rich feel for a red burgundy at this price. The dark fruit flavors are layered, evolve in the glass, and are made more complex by a stem-like tartness and tannins that start out a bit strong but after being open for an hour or two mellow out and allows the wine to show the elegant ness and complexity of a good Pinot Noir. The finish is lush and graceful. This wine is still young and will improve and become more complex with age. To enjoy now, decant and let it air for a couple of hours before serving and of course take a little taste every half hour to see how it’s evolving. Taste a “real” burgundy without having to take out a loan. Tasted 9/9/01

1999 Louis Latour Saint-Veran “Les Deux Moulins” French White $12.50 at The Vineyard Wine and Spirit Shop in Middletown N.Y.

A light to medium bodied wine, with a light bouquet of green apples. Simple dry flavors with some toasty ness to it. It also finishes dry and would be best with food. Tasted 8/28/01

1999 Mas de Guiot Vin de Pays du Gard $12.99 at Liquor Outlet in Nanuet N.Y.

This impressive French wine is a mix between Cabernet Sauvignon 60% and Syrah 40%. When I first open it the Cabernet Sauvignon grape dominated the bouquet and taste. Deep fruit, and spicy aromas, with oodles of thick currants, and other dark fruit flavors, that mix well with the oak and vanilla. Showing tannins, this wine is still young, and tight. After airing 3 hours I tasted this wine again, and now it was showing more of its Syrah side. The taste is still complex but now showing more bright cherry fruit and plum flavors, with a peppery spice. This wine is a bit on the acidic side, which should mellow out and blend well with the rich and still tight fruit. The mouth feel and finish are elegant and silky with tannins reminding us that this wine is still young and will get much better with 4 to 10 years in the bottle. Very well made, unfiltered, and estate bottled. Tasted 7/20/01 3 ½ clusters

1996 Chateau De Chantegrive Graves Red Bordeaux $14 at The Vineyard Wine and Spirit Shop in Middletown N.Y.

These days it’s hard to find a wine estate bottled wine from Graves, Bordeaux for $14. A lighter style of Graves but still a nice buy for a real Bordeaux. Medium garnet color, with a very balanced bouquet of cassis, blackberry, and toasty oak. Dry with nice structure. The aromas are repeated in the flavors with a vanilla dimension added. Finishes dry with some lushness. Tasted 8/11/01

2000 Chateau La Roque Coteaux du Languedoc French White $12 at The Vineyard Wine and Spirit Shop in Middletown N.Y.

This wine is made from the Viognier, Rolle, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc grapes. A little different then most white wines on the market. It’s light in body, and has the feel and structure of white Bordeaux. This wine should be treated like a Sauvignon Blanc as far as style and food pairing go. A light floral bouquet with tangy white fruit, mineral, and herb-like flavors. It has a Gewürztraminer (a spicy grape from Alsace, France and Germany) quality to the taste. The finish has a slight sweetness to it. Tasted 8/12/01

1999 Mas de Gourgonnier Les Baux de Provence French Red $11.99 at Liquor Outlet in Nanuet N.Y.

This estate-bottled wine is from Provence in the South of France. Provence is on the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the most beautiful places on earth. There are no chemical fertilizers, weed killers or insecticides used on the vines or grapes that go into making this wine. The wine has an inky, dark, purple color. The bouquet is filled with deep plum, and lavender aromas. Medium to full bodied with a chewy and rich mouth feel. It displays lush, solid, and jammy fruit. Plum, blackberry, and vanilla flavors that are balanced by some tannin. The finish is dry and leaves the deep fruit flavors of this wine lingering on the palate. This wine is still very young and needs a few years in the bottle. To enjoy it now let it air for a few hours before servicing. A delight to drink now and will only get better.

1999 Vinus Coteaux du Languedoc French Red $10.99 at Liquor Outlet in Nanuet NY

This beautifully crafted wine is made from low yield Syrah and Grenache grapes. Dark in color, with deep fruit and toasty aromas. The taste is filled with blackberries, currents, oak, and spices. A silky mouth feel complements the balanced flavors. In structure and class it reminds me of a good Bordeaux. The finish is dry and lush. This wine is still young but already showing complexity and class. Will improve with aging. Tasted 6/28/01

1999 Chateau Paul Mas Coteaux du Languedoc French Red $14.99 at Liquor Outlet in Nanuet N.Y.

This estate-bottled wine is very well made and worth more then fifteen dollars. This is the top wine of Chateau Paul Mas who also makes Vinus (also reviewed in this issue). Made from Syrah and Grenache grapes this wine is full of refinement and class. The color is dark purple. The bouquet is filled with sweet blackberries, cherries, and oak. This wine’s texture coats the palate with a lush but elegant smoothness. The taste, like the bouquet exhibits blackberry, and cherry flavors that mix well with complex oak and vanilla. The finish is dry with deep fruit that keeps you coming back for more. I highly recommend that you try this one. Tasted 7/3/01

1999 Chateau d’Oupia Minervois $7.99 at Liquor Outlet in Nanuet N.Y.

A nice wine for $8. The color is dark purple, with black cherry and current aromas that are very appealing. On the palate this wine is dry with dark berry flavors, tannins, and a tartness that carries on into the finish. I think a year or two in the bottle will round this wine out a bit. Tasted 7/12/01

1999 Chateau La Roque Pic Saint Loup French Red $9,99 and Mid-Valley Liquors in Newburgh NY

This estate-bottled wine from Coteaux du Languedoc is bursting with deep fruit, backbone, and structure. It has a nice dark reddish color, with a slight mint aroma in the bouquet. This medium bodied wine exhibits nice plum like fruit that stays together and does not become flabby and one-dimensional . It finishes smooth and satisfying. A really nice Syrah based wine. Tasted 3/30/01

1998 M.Chapoutier Belleruche Cotes-Du-Rhone French White, $12 at “The Vineyard” in Middletown NY.

When traveling to the Cotes-Du-Rhone I expected to taste many good to great red wines, and I did, but the biggest surprise to me was the excellent quality of the white wines, which we don’t see much of in the USA. This wine is a good example of what I’m talking about. To me Cote-Du-Rhone whites are partly a cross between a Chardonnay and a Sauvignon Blanc. They have the round, smoothness of a Chardonnay with some of the grassy, herbal flavors of a Sauvignon Blanc, and some interesting flavors of their own. There can be up two 10 different grapes used in white Cotes-Du-Rhone’s but most use a blend of 3 or 4. Some of the more popular grapes are Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Grenache Blanc.

This wine has a straw color with a nutty, floral bouquet. Medium bodied with an elegant structure, crispness in the feel, and a complex blend of flavors including flower petals, dried fruit, toasted nuts, and oak. These flavors carry through in the finish, which is very dry. A great dinner wine, and a good introduction to the style of Cotes-Du-Rhone white wines.

Tasted 6/8/01

1999 Chateau D’ Aigueville Cotes-Du-Rhone French Red $6.99 at Mid-Valley Wine and Liquor in Newburgh N.Y.

A nice Cotes-Du-Rhone, with a medium to dark garnet color. It displays young, dark fruity aromas and plumy flavors that mix well with this wines dryness. It finishes dry with a soft fruity background. Let it air for an hour before serving, it opens up and becomes richer.

Tasted 6/12/01

1999 Domaine Bourdon Macon-Villages “Les Pierres Dorees” French White $8.99 at Liquor Outlet in Nanuet N.Y.

This Macon is made from old vines, and is estate bottled. This light to medium bodied wine has a nutty, crisp bouquet and toasty apricot and mineral flavors. The finish is dry. This is a delicate and crisp Chardonnay that needs to be enjoyed with food, rather then sipping along.

Tasted 6/14/01

1998 Catherine de Saint-Juery ‘Syrah’ Coteaux Du Languedoc $7.99 at Liquor Outlet in Nanuet NY.

What a delicious! mouth filling, and balanced wine for $8. It almost startles the mind. This 100% Syrah wine comes from low-yielding hillside vineyards. First tasting this wine I thought it was $12 a bottle and I was happy with that. When checking the receipt to write this review I was amazed to see it was only $8, it’s a hit! and those guys at Liquor Outlet have more hits then the Beatles.

Dark ruby-purple color with aromas of violets and black cherry. Medium bodied, and dry with deep spicy fruit, some vanilla and a toasty oak. It finishes dry, and smooth with good balance. This wine will improve with 3-4 years of aging. To enjoy now let it air an hour or two. Another great wine from Jeffrey M. Davies. Tasted 4/12/01

1998 Mas des Chimeres Coteaux Du Languedoc French red $13.99 at Liquor Outlet in Nanuet N.Y.

This well-made, non-filtered wine has a dark plum color. The bouquet exhibits deep berry-like fruit with balanced oak. Medium bodied with deep, rich fruit and chocolate flavors. The finish is dry and soft. Tasted 5/2/01

1999 Domaine Larochette-Manciat Saint Veran “Le Clos” White French $9.99 at Bottle King in Ramsey N.J.

In October of 2000 I reviewed the 1998 and really liked it, the ’99 is even better. This wine is more balanced and complex then the ’98. color is dark straw with an apple wood bouquet. Medium bodied with an elegant feel to it. A taste of ripe apples, pears, toasty oak and vanilla. The finish is silky and dry. A really nice French Chardonnay. Tasted 4/28/01

1998 Jean-Marc Kimmeridgien Chardonnay French White $10.99 at Liquor Outlet in Nanuet N.Y.

This wine is named “Kimmeridgien”, after the type of limestone found in the soil that the vines are grown in. The French put a lot of emphasis on the soil and feel it is one of the most importance factor in the taste and quality of a wine.

The color is medium golden, and the bouquet is of honey-like fruit and flint. The taste is crisp with mineral like flavors and pear-like fruit. It finishes dry with mineral flavors. It is akin to a good Macon Village but with maybe a little more complexity to it.

Tasted 3/4/01

1998 Domaine De La Solitude Cotes Du Rhone French Red $7.99 at Liquor Outlet in Nanuet N.Y.

This is a top-notch Cotes Du Rhone, from the Lancon Family who have been producing excellent Rhone wines for more then 500 years. Think about it, they were making wine 300 years before the U.S. was a country. I think it’s safe to say they know something about wine.

The color is light to medium cherry red, with aromas of wild berries and toasty oak. Medium bodied, dry, with a nice mouth feel. The oak flavors blend well with its plum and berry fruit. The finish is dry. This is a well-made wine, and proves you can get “real” wine for 8 bucks. Their web site is: www.domaine-solitude.com check out the history of the Lancon family, it’s really interesting. Tasted 3/10/01

1999 Chateau Valcombe “Les Griottes” French Red, $11.99 at Liquor Outlet at Nanuet N.Y.

This wine is from Cotes Du Ventoux, which is near the Cotes Du Rhone. It is made from 50% Syrah and 50% Grenache Noir, is hand harvested from vines between 15 and 30 years old. Dark purple and almost inky in color with soft aromas of plumy fruit. A chewy texture with loads of fat lush fruit, and chocolate flavors. The finish is rich and silky. Drink now or hold for 2-3 years. Tasted 3/23/01

1998 Domaine Des Murettes Minervois, Clos de l’Olivier French Red, $9.99 at Liquor Outlet in Nanuet N.Y.

This delicious Syrah based wine is another gem from the Languedoc in the South of France. A well-made wine from low yield grapes, it has a lush fruity appeal, which keeps you coming back for more. A dark ruby and purple color, with blackberry and sweet cherry aromas. Medium bodied with ripe full fruit, and a silky feel. The finish is round and sweet. Great buy. Tasted 3/25/01

1999 Timber Lake Pinot Noir French Red $11.99 at Liquor Outlet in Nanuet NY.

Another really nice wine from the Languedoc region in the south of France. It displays dark color and a very appealing cherry wood bouquet. Medium bodied with smooth and balanced flavors of plum, cherry, and young wood. Very dry with a silky mouth feel and some tannins. It finishes dry and elegantly. A little tight now but this wine will be outstanding after 3-5 years in the cellar. Decant and let air to drink now. A real find, especially for $12

Tasted 4/8/01

1995 Chateau Laquirou “Cuvee Classique” Red, France $9.99 at Mid-Valley Wine and Liquors in Newburg N.Y.

This wine is from Languedoc, and is made from 80% Grenache noir and 20% Syrah. It is organically grown and hand-harvested. It’s a good example of the new breed of well-made, and delicious wines being produced in the Languedoc region of southern, France.

The color is deep and inky. The bouquet is filled with a spicy wild berry scent. Medium to full bodied with black berries, currents, and a peppery favorer. It finishes with nice round fruit, balanced by the dry nature of this wine. I think it’s a great buy for 10 bucks, and have drunk at least two cases myself. Tasted 2/9/01

1997 Vignoble Boudinaud: Vin de Pays d’Oc White, French $9.99 at Star Wine and Liquor in Monroe N.Y.

This is a white wine from the Rhone Valley. It’s made from 60% Marsanne and 40% Viognier grape, and (not typical in the Rhone) the percentage of grapes used and their names are the largest lettering on the label. The color is dark straw, and the bouquet flinty with a honeysuckle aroma. Medium bodied, with a dry floral, mineral, and herbal taste. The finish is dry and crisp. A good food wine, and a nice change from Chardonnay. It’s like a cross between an Alsace white and a white Burgundy. Tasted 2/23/01

1998 Nobles Rives “Crozes Hermitage” Red French Rhone Wine. $11.99 at Star Liquors in Monroe N.Y.

This wine is from the Northern Rhone Valley. It is made from Syrah grape, and is grown on steep, south facing vineyards. This wine is a little tight and tannin right now but will change into a real beauty with a few years of aging. The color is dark and inking. The bouquet has aromas of rip black cherries. Medium to full bodied, with dry current and plum flavors. The fruit is mixed with new oak, and tannins. The finish displays smooth mouth coating fruit, and is dry. Really nice wine. I’m going to put a few bottles away in my cellar.

Tasted 12/17/00.

1995 Chateau Puech-Haut Appellation Saint-Drezery Red French Languedoc Wine. $9.99 at Star Wine and Liquors in Monroe NY.

Another great wine from Jeffrey M. Davies Selections. This wine is born in the beautiful hillside vineyards of the Saint- Drezery area in southern France. It is hand-harvested, and made from 60% Syrah, 25% Grenache, and 15% old-vine Carignan grapes.

The color is a dark ruby red. The bouquet is lush with spice, herbs, and smooth vanilla-cream aromas. Medium bodied with deep cherry fruit that is balanced by just the right amount of oak. The finish is dry and carries on the deep fruit flavors. This is “real wine” for $10

Tasted 1/7/00

1999 Chateau De Domazan Cotes Du Rhone Red, French $5.99 at JP Liquors in

Middletown NY

Another great value from the Cotes-Du-Rhone area in Southern France. This wine has a medium depth of color. A nice fruity, and simple bouquet. It is medium bodied with appealing fruit, and soft tannins. The finish is light. An easy to drink wine and delivers enjoyment for $6.

Tasted 1/10/01

1999 Saint Gervais “Syrah” Cotes Du Rhone Villages French Red $9.99 at Liquor Outlet in Nanuet N.Y.

This wine is no doubt a step above most Cotes Du Rhone’s in style and taste. Most Cotes Du Rhone wines are a mix of many grapes, but this wine is made from the Syrah grape. The best wines in the Rhone Valley are made from the Syrah grape. Deep, plumy dark fruit with chocolate and peppercorn notes on the nose and palate. Warm and full in feel but still closed and somewhat tannin. Needs a few years to mature. I’m going to put a few bottles in my cellar.

Tasted 11/17/00

1998 Les Garrigues - Cotes Du Rhone French Red $5.99 at Liquor Outlet in Nanuet N.Y.

This is a really good wine for the price, another great value from the Cotes Du Rhone. The color is of medium depth with black cherry tones. Medium bodied, the taste is simple yet it has a nice balance of plumy fruit and dryness. The finish is dry. This is a food wine.

Tasted 11/21/00.

1995 Domaine De Clovallon Pinot Noir French Red $12.99 at Star Liquors in Monroe NY.

The first word that comes to mind about this wine is Wow! A real Pinot Noir! Very Burgundy like, and in Burgundy a bottle of this quality would cost $30 or more. Not to say that they are not worth $30 or more, but for 13 bucks it’s even more worth it.

This wine is from the Languedoc region in Southern France. Using steep hillside grown grapes that are grown in superior chalky soil, results in an elegant and complex wine. The color is fading just the right amount around the edges to show it is at or near its peak. The bouquet is filled with floral, cherry, and other heavenly scents. The wine is dry and medium bodied, with a complex blend of cherries, berries, and wild flowers. The finish is balanced and coats the pallet with a nice oily texture. The subtle and complex flavors of this wine carry on with the finish. I feel blessed to have come across this wine. Check out their Wed site to learn more about Domaine De Clovallon and other wines www.signature-selections.fr

Tasted 12/5/00.

1996 Christian Moueix “Merlot” Bordeaux, France. Red $8 to $10 at many stores.

Christian Moueix is one of, if not the master of making wines from the Merlot grape. He owns and operates some great wineries including the world famous Chateau Petrus in Bordeaux. This is a wine has a Bordeaux appellation, meaning the grapes can come from all parts of Bordeaux. The color is of medium depth with a slightly lighter edge to it. The bouquet is very typical of Bordeaux. The smell of oak, from ageing in small oak barrels blends well with ripe fruit. The taste is medium bodied with earthy fruit and oak. The wine coats the palate and leaves a dry finish. It’s a nice Bordeaux for the price.

Tasted 10/18/00

1998 Chateau Aigueville, “Cotes du Rhone” Red, France. $8.99

This is another good value from the Cotes du Rhone. It has a nice med. dark color. The bouquet is plumy. The taste is light with balanced fruit and a nice touch of acidity. The finish is dry with a tartly flavor. After drinking it a couple of times I did grow tried of it, but it’s worth trying.

Tasted 9/15/00

1998 Domaine De L’Ameillaud French. Red wine $5.99 @ Liquor Outlet in Nanuet N.Y.

This wine is from “Vaucluse” in the southern part of the Rhone Valley. It has a dark color with a deep bouquet, medium bodied with plenty of fruit, balanced by a nice acidity. Super for six dollars.

Tasted 3/8/00

1997 Cube de la Couthiat “Syrah” French Red wine. $7.99 @ Liquor Outlet in Nanuet N.Y.

This wine is from the northern part of the Rhone Valley. It is made from hillside-grown grape and is unfiltered. Red-purple color of med. depth. The bouquet is full of berry-like fruit with a slight cigar box aroma in the background. The taste is full of fruit but lacks backbone and structure. The finish falls short. It reminds me of a Beaujolais with more power.

Tasted 3/10/00

1998 Chateau Aigueville, “Cotes du Rhone” Red, France. $8.99

This is another good value from the Cotes du Rhone. It has a nice med. dark color. The bouquet is plumy. The taste is light with balanced fruit and a nice touch of acidity. It will go well with many. The finish is dry with a tartly flavor. After servicing it a couple of times I grew tried of it. It’s worth trying.

Tasted 9/15/00

1999 Marius Vineyards Chardonnay French White $7.99 at Liquor Outlet in Nanuet N.Y.

This wine is from Languedoc in the south of France. It reminds me of a Macon-Village but a little rounder and softer. Light straw color. A light bouquet of flint and minerals. The taste has soft fruits and some vanilla. Light to medium bodied. The finish is a little thin but pleasant. A nice lighter French style Chardonnay.

Tasted 11/24/00.

1995 Domaine De Clovallon “Viognier” French Languedoc White $11.99 at Star Liquors in Monroe N.Y.

This wine is made from the Viognier grape, which is used in making some of the great white wines of the Rhone Valley, Languedoc, and other areas of southern France. Domaine De Clovallon uses the highest standers in the vineyards and in making their wine, and this shows (Pinto Noir reviewed this month with Red Wines).

This wine has a deep honey golden color. The bouquet is a creamy vanilla. The taste has complex flavors of young plums, apricot and a creamy texture. This finish is complex and coats the pallet. Serve this wine at a warmer temperature that you would serve other whites. This elegant wine does not revel it true beauty if it is too cold.

This wine is a ”Signature Jeffrey M. Davies Selections”. They represent many handcrafted wines from France. Over the years I have been very happy with their wines. It’s people like this that make this world a better place to live. Check out their Wed site to learn more about Domaine De Clovallon and other wines www.signature-selections.fr

Tasted 12/8/00

1998 Domaine Larochette-Manciat Saint Veran “Le Clos” White Burgundy $9.99 at Bottle King in Ramsey N.J.

On the label it says Vieilles Vignes which means this wine is made from older vines, that give a lower yield but a higher quality wine. This is a really good “Saint-Veran”. Made from the Chardonnay grape the color is a rich straw. A bouquet of crisp apples with a hint of carmel. The taste is very balanced between lively green apples and a round vanilla. It has a nice texture that coats the mouth and finishes nicely. This wine has some complexity to it. Perfect with food. Enjoy this one my friends.

Tasted 10/28/00.

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