2007 Maison Chanson Bourgogne

From vineyards very near to the city of Beaune; what many consider to be the heart and soul of Pinot Noir comes a very excellent, authentic single varietal that is colorful, charming and vibrant throughout.  Raspberries and cherries are the two dominate fruits that present of the bouquet accompanied by hints of licorice which add to the creativity of this wonderful Pinot Noir.  The aroma you take in first tells this varietal is structured, balanced and savory.  The fruits featured create a vivid and colorful canvas that tell the history of Burgundy; once of class and structure.  The licorice adds a creative flavor and structure that take this wine to the next level.  Complex; yet very simple; either way; it’s authentic Burgundy.  Let this stands for a while and decant (exposure to oxygen) the bouquet will open up even more and this wine will beckon you for a second glass.

2009 Domaine le Petit Bon Dieu

This is a phenomenal, elegant and authentic Cabernet Franc from Loire Valley.  This varietal speaks to the history that is the Loire.  Chateaus cover the countryside, each one trying to standout from its neighbors; while at the same time be elegant beyond belief.  This varietal does exactly that!   Rich and true in character while simultaneously being subtle and elegant.  The bouquet suggests roses and lilacs accompanied by dark fruits (cherry and blackcurrants) along with mild spices.  All of this is heaven across the palate…very smooth and delicate reminiscent of a simpler time.  Out of this world enjoyable!  I can’t wait to have another glass!

2008 Mongeard-Mugneret

2008 Mongeard-Mugneret

A very wonderful and full bouquet greets you as this gen swirls in your glass.  From just north of Beaune, France; the heartand soul of Pinot Noir; comes this masterpiece unlike any other.    This wine will come alive in your glass!  The bouquet that greets you out of the bottle is only the beginning.  Structure and creativity follow accompanied by sheer brilliance, elegance that has been refined to its peak.  Darks fruits and spices create a beautiful portrait in your glass and a better one as you enjoy your glass or two.  Carrying the name Vosne-Romanee there is a sense of expectation; yet you have to be subtle and precise all at the same time.  This varietal does that and more; so much more!  It creates a canvas unlike anything I have tried before while taking you as the connoisseur on the ride of your life!

2007 Château Doyac

This is a very elegant blend of (70 % Merlot) and (30% Cabernet Sauvignon) grapes that amazed me from that start.  There is a complexity to this varietal that is also simple and very satisfying.  This is a well-balanced inexpensive Bordeaux (Haut-Medoc) that shows its structure through mainly cherry and cedar; in addition to being brought together perfectly with vanilla.  The cedar serves two purposes; creating noticeable ripe tannins while also brining this wine to its elegant; yet sharp finish.  Allowing this wine to breath for a while before enjoying will only bring out the flavors and structure even more and make the entire bouquet taste better.  Bon appetite!

2007 Doyenne Aix

A blend made up of Syrah (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon (35%) and Mourédre (5%) grapes that sings the praises of Provence; a region in southern France that has so much vibrant life to it.  This wine is alive right from the beginning; hitting solid notes throughout; while at the same time maintaining an element of surprise.  Upon enjoying a glass; you will find fruits (blackberries) that almost come off as a liqueur; followed by hints of sage and black pepper.  What happens from there is nothing short of phenomenal.  You are taken a ride with the best Provence has to offer; Herbs de Provence and cassis.  These two give a character and class unlike any other.  This varietal is structured, elegant and finishes beautifully.  Everything works together in this wine with each component building on the one before it; to create a finished product that almost begs for a second glass.

2007 J. Vidal-Fleury Vacqueryas

This is a tremendous blend of Grenache (50%), Syrah (20%) and Mourédre (20%) grapes from near Avignon in the heart of the Rhone Valley.  Very deep in color which is a common attribute for wines the farther south you go.  Initially, this varietal welcomes you with tempting aromas of strawberries and raspberries off of the nose.   From there, one is taken a structured journey highlighted with heavy earthy tones and tannins.  A perfect mix for wine from Southern France.  There is a very subtle hint of tartness as this wine reaches its peak.  Once it peaks this varietal almost changes gears entirely and closes very smooth with mostly overtones of leather.  I beleive it closes that way because of the amount of sun exposore the vines receive during the growing season.  Fantastic in its own right!

2007 Tenor 1:1 (One of One)

Made from Cabernet Sauvignon (45%),  Merlot (45%), and Malbec (10%)  grapes  this 1:1 (One of One) is unlike anything I have tried before.  Vibrant and breathtaking….this blend does not have to prove anything.  Everything in this wine works together seamlessly creating the most amazing portrait you can imagine.  Having a glass, I imagine listening to an opera concert in a European cathedral…this blend just tastes that great.  The fruits (red currants, blackberries, and plums), spices and aromas (blackcurrants and cedar) that spill forth from the glass almost sing a harmony; each complimenting the one before it right through to the crème de cassis and crème brulée which come in as this blend closes.  This wine is definitely built to last.  Structure, creativity and balance; it’s simply awe-inspiring.  This blend has a palate that is complete and invites you to have another glass.  Won’t you?   

2008 Tenor Merlot

This merlot is one part a long hard 100-mile+ day on the bike and second part a relaxing afternoon on a sundrenched beach somewhere really nice.  Who says you can't enjoy both? With this merlot you can because is has both structure and creativity to its story.  From the very rich tones of berries, mainly strawberries, at their peak of ripeness to the hints of caramel and vanilla as this wine finishes.  Everything about this merlot works together perfectly in such a way that makes what is your glass both distinctive and elegant.  It is the extraordinary balance that brings this merlot to new heights and sets it above the rest.   Perfect in every way!  This merlot will only get better the more time passes.

2008 Tenor Cabernet Sauvignon

This is a very excellent cabernet that takes you on the ride of your life.   It’s like catching a wave at just right moment and having it deliver you ashore perfectly balanced so that you can continue your adventure. Due in part to its robust color, you might think that this wine would behave more like a Bordeaux and command your attention on presentation alone. The presentation is amazing; but what grabs my attention is how this wine tells its unique story through the different flavors you taste along the way.  Yes; there are big dark fruits like plums, blackcurrants accompanied by dark spices to start with and they together to bring this cabernet to its peak.  But, it doesn’t stop there.  Just as you reach the top it is the vanilla and crème de cassis that bring this beauty home.  The finish is so unexpected and welcoming at the same time. It leaves you wanting another glass!  This wine will age very well over time.  

2009 Domaine Dupeuble

 This is a very excellent young wine that commands your attention from the moment the floral notes of vanilla and other spices that hit your nose.  From that moment forward, you are taken a ride unlike any other. All of the flavors work together to create an extremely delicate canvas until you finish your glass.  This wine is so delicate finish that glides across your palate with an ease that  only Beaujolais can accomplish.  I usually end up having a second glass merely because this wine is just gorgeous!