Featured Wines in September – Joseph Drouhin 2014 LaForet Bourgogne Chardonnay, Burgundy, France & Eric Chevalier 2013 Domaine de L’Aujardiere Cabernet Franc, Loire Valley, France

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2014 LaForet Bourgogne Chardonnay, Burgundy, France $15

The Joseph Drouhin Domaine founded in  Burgundy in 1880 is now run by the fourth generation which offers a fascinating array of Burgundy terroirs in all their authenticity and subtle variations. 2014 LaForêt Bourgogne Chardonnay is an entry level wine that provides the simple pleasures of a classic white Burgundy. It has a bouquet of citrus aromas that trail with honey and vanilla. There is a delightful lively texture with some spicy minerality that shines through on the finish. This is an easy wine as an aperitif or a complement to simply prepared fish and fresh vegetables.Alcohol: 13%

 

Eric Chevalier Cab Franc

2013 Domaine de L’Aujardiere Cabernet Franc, Loire Valley, France $18

Eric Chevalier produces wine in the Loire Valley just to the west of Burgundy.  2014 Domaine de L’Aujardière Cabernet Franc is imported by Kermit Lynch which gives it a strong recommendation for a quality wine at a good price. Cabernet Franc grapes are lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon. The color is clear, reddish with a light rim and the aromas are woody with ripe raspberries. This wine has a smooth mouth-feel, a slightly peppery taste and a medium long dry finish that ends on a light note. This wine is  an all-purpose red for pork and poultry. Keep this in mind for Thanksgiving turkey. Alcohol: 12%

January Featured Wines – 2013 Domaine du Salvard Cheverny, Loire Valley, France & 2012 Kermit Lynch Cotes du Rhone, Southern Rhone, France

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2013 Domaine du Salvard Cheverny, Loire Valley, France $17

2013 Domaine du Salvard Cheverny is imported from the Loire Valley by Kermit Lynch. The Delaille brothers produce this great value in Cheverny Sauvignon Blanc. This is a blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Chardonnay. The Sauvignon Blanc offers zest on the nose and on the palate with the Chardonnay providing roundness and richness on the palate. This is a wine that will not “knock off your socks” but that is exactly what the Delailles intend. They produce and present the best of the terrior just as Old World wines are meant to do. This is a lovely wine as a appertif or an accompaniment to simple roasted fish or poultry.

 

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2012 Kermit Lynch Cotes du Rhone, Beaumes-de-Venise, France  $17

2012 Kermit Lynch Cotes du Rhone in produced in the Southern Rhone area of Beaumes-de-Venise. This wine is made by Jean-François Pasturel at Terres d’Avignon. Typical for Cotes du Rhone blends the varietals in the 2012 vintage are Grenache (66%), Syrah (25%), Carignan (7%), Cinsualt (1%) and Mourvedre (1%.) On the nose it shows violet, rose petal, oak, smoke, mushroom, game, toast, tar, dust, dark fruit, vanilla, tobacco, red fruit, spice box, and cedar. On the palate there is lots of cherry, strawberry, raspberry, licorice, anise, vanilla, musk, black currant, blackberry, dust, leather, currant, and blueberry. Again, this is an Old World wine that is not the “star of the show.” It plays a supporting role by complimenting simple bistro food.