The following wines come from the French wine regions within the Rhone Valley (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras), Provence, Languedoc, Brittany and Bordeaux (Saint-Émilion, Fronsac, Cadillac and Bourg).
Vacqueyras, Vaucluse department, Provence-Alpes-Cote dAzur, France
Domaine de Montvac. Vacqueyras. Alliance. 2024. 92-93 points.
Wines from this domaine in the Rhone Valley are produced by 5th and 6th generation female winemakers: Cécile Dusserre and her daughter Amélie. This blend produced exclusively by Amélie includes eight different massal selected grape varieties and is Grenache dominant. Aromas are rich, spicy and long, the tannins are soft and the flavors creamy and supple. An intriguing blend of freshness and complexity. Although 14% in alcohol, this tastes lighter.
La Vigne et L’Abeille. Alchimie. Vin de France. 2023. 92+ points.
From Marina and Loic Fourure in Brittany on the west coast of France, not far from the Quiberon Bay of the Atlantic Ocean. The name of the winery means The Vine and the Bee and their vines are all massal selected. This blend of Chenin Blanc and Savagnin has 12.5% alcohol. Produced and aged in steel. Brilliantly precise citrics and acidity with a creamy, almost caramel finish.
Château de Beaucastel. Hommage a Jacques Perrin. Châteauneuf-du-Pape. 1998. 100 points.
Tasted during a visit to the renovated winery complex in April. Complex tertiary aromas of orange peel, leather, star anise, herbs and black pepper. Slight caramel and prunes mid palate. Slick, balanced, suave and silky brilliant tannins. A complex river of subtle flavors in this avuncular, intimate and inspiring blend with an invigorating and lasting finish. This is a journey unlike you have taken before—quite the sensory yellow brick road.
Château de Beaucastel Hommage a Jacques Perrin, 1998 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley, France
Domaine Court de Mautens. IGP Vaucluse. 2017. 95 points.
From Jérôme Bressy in the Vaucluse in Provence, this golden colored white blend of eight grapes (including Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier) includes aromas of honey and caramel and is made from massal selected vines planted in 2009. Similarities to an excellent Sancerre from the Loire Valley. Aged in large wooden casks, this 16% alcohol wine has heft and a complex mid palate with flavors that include oranges.
Maison Castel. Séries Limitées. Gigondas. 2022. 93+ points.
From below the jagged Dentelles de Montmirail peaks, this Gigondas wine is a 68/20/12 blend of Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre aged 15 months partially in new oak. It includes cherry and red plum aromas, as well as herbs of Provence and cedar. Lusciously soft mid palate brazen with dripping red fruit, sleek tannins and pepper and spice on a zesty finish. The maker recommends pairing with a lamb tajeen with red onions; also consider a peach cobbler dessert.
La Chouette du Chai. L’Orfraie. AOC Languedoc. 2023. 92+ points.
The name of the wine means ‘the cellar owl’ and the winery is located in Pic Saint Loup in the Languedoc. From winemaker Syvlie Guiraudon, this is a 70/30 blend of Vermentino/Grenache Blanc that was vinified in steel at a low temperature; the grapes are all massal selected. 14.5% alcohol. Zesty acidity and lime citrics from the Vermentino and a delicious, creamy, fresh mid palate with a sparky finish. Pair with fresh seafood.
Vines at the foot of Dentelles de Montmirail peaks, Vaucluse department, Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur … More
Maison Castel. Séries Limitées. Terrasses du Larzac. 2022. 93-94 points.
A 66/13/13/8 blend of Syrah/Grenache/Mourvèdre/Carignan aged 12 months in barrels, amphorae and cement. 14.5% alcohol. Aromas of hickory, sage, smoke, molasses, tar and tarragon. A chewy and crunchy mouthful with flavors that include dark licorice, black plums, balsamic. Rich acidity folded onto lacquered layers of deep flavors. Well structured but quiet tannins. Mocha and aniseed on the finish. Complex and robust. Pair with a beef and mango tajeen or a lava chocolate cake.
Famille Todeschini. Château Mangot. Saint-Emilion Grand Cru. 2023. 96 points.
Dark fresh aromas—both bright and deep—of red plums, orange rind, sultanas, figs, gorse and earth. A chewy delightful wine—rich, layered, jumping with flavors that include raspberries, cherries and fudge parfait. A textured wine deliciously fresh and balanced and oozing with vibrant flavors. A fluid non-static tannic structure, clean and tingling acidity. A forward and delicious way to being a dinner. Pair with pork and barbecue sauce or with a lasagna.
Chateau Haut Peyrat. Prelude. Grand Vin de Bordeaux. 2022. 92-93 points.
From Isabelle and Didier Gil. Earthy aromas of mushrooms, wet soil, cedar. A fresh and bright and well-balanced mid palate that shines with red fruit and includes a textured finish with a hint of chocolate. Beautiful acidity and light red fruit—plums, raspberries. The tannins take a back seat to acidity, which will help this wine age for decades.
Château du Bousquet. Cotes de Bourg. 2022. 93+ points.
This right bank Bordeaux wine includes the characteristic Malbec grape from Bourg and the alcohol level is 14%. Rich, rounded, perfumed aromas of honeysuckle and roses as well as mocha. Rich and opulent flavors include red cherries, herbs of Provence and red licorice. Well balanced and easy drinking with rounded soft tannins and a long cherry/orange finish. Pair with grilled lamb and tabouli.
Bourg village, Bordeaux, France
Croix de Labrie. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 2022. 97+ points.
Aromas of black cherries, bacon, raspberries, sea salt, cassis, mocha, fudge and caramel. Cinnamon peeking out after minutes. Beautiful silky tannins, brilliant finish with chocolate and cherries. Light and rippling acidity. Needs time in the glass. Balanced with delicacy and harmony and subtle delights; lava cake on the finish.
Château George 7. Fronsac. 2022. 94+ points.
This 15% alcohol Merlot from Sally Evans on the right bank of Bordeaux originates from 40-year-old vines. Aged 18 months in French oak. A minestrone brew of dark, diverse, complex and compelling aromas including red plums, butterscotch, wild fennel and black licorice. Chewy and textured mid palate tannins and flavors include bouillon, blueberries and dark plums. Slight spice/cumin on a lip tingling finish. Pair with a piping hot meat pie or a blackberry tart dessert.
Château de Haut Coulon. Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux. 2022. 92 points.
This 13% alcohol right bank Bordeaux includes statured and hefty aromas of blackberry, anise, slight petrol and menthol. Chewy mid palate with tarragon and soy. Slightly complex with a generously long and well-rounded finish and well integrated tannins. Pair with roast beef and cheddar cheese.
