A Few Random Tastings - France

White Bordeaux - Ch Haut Selve 2010

The 2010 Ch Haut Selve Graves is the first wine I've tasted using the "newcomer" to Bordeaux, Sauvignon Gris, a grape nearly wiped out from phyloxria, but one that several winemakers are now starting to grow and embrace.
In this case, the blend is 50% Sauvignon (blanc), 40% Semillon, and 10% Sauvignon Gris. There is a faint hint of grapefruit, but far less than what has become all too common in Sauvignon based wines. There is also a nice bit of floral character to the nose, which I believe can be attributed to the SG. On the palate, nicely crisp and refreshing. One of the most enjoyable White Bordeaux that I have had in quite some time. And at under $16, this is a steal. Recommended.

Chateau Coulon Corbieres 2010

This is a very interesting wine. Nice black cherry/raspberry fruit, with a nice bit of spice (the write-up on the label mentions black olives; I don't get them). Moderate acidity makes this not only mouthwatering, but also a wine that begs for food. Typically, when I taste a wine, I start thinking about what foods it would pair with. In this case, before the first sip was swallowed, I was already craving a pork roast. I think that it could also work with roasted fowl, such as turkey or chicken; it might be even better with duck.
Not a wine to drink alone; but with a nice meal, recommended.

Domaine La Borie Blanche Minervois 2010

Raspberry and spice! And a little bit of earthiness. This blend of syrah and grenache is quite bold, with a refreshing tartness that reminds me fondly of the candies I loved as a child. And like those candies, a little addictive.
You can think of this basically as a Rhone style red, just a little lighter (but there is more spice and structure than you typically get from Ventoux or other lighter areas of the Rhone). This is a wine I can enjoy on its own, but it would probably be more appropriate with a meal. Pair with a nice Filet Mignon. Recommended.

Domaine Des Chenes Cotes du Roussillon Villages 2009

An odd one. Lots of garrigue on the nose (especially lavender), and a little something else I can't identify. Rather thin and tart, without much fruit. This may appeal to some palate, but not mine. Not recommended.

Cheateau Moncontour sparkling Vouvray Brut

 I've had very few sparkling Vouvray, so I'm not the best judge, but this is by far the best I have had. Good fruit, and a nice bit of toasty yeastiness. You probably won't mistake this for a Champagne, but you might mistake it for a very nice Cava. Highly recommended.

Oak Grove Sauvignon Blanc

Allergy season has been rough; lots of days where my sense of taste and smell just aren't there. I find that a glass of whisky helps a lot, but it's still not fun.
Thankfully, the rains have come, and made things better. So tonight I opened a bottle of wine, a 2010 Oak Grove Sauvignon Blanc from California. This is an inexpensive ($8) bottle, but it delivers more than you might expect. It's light and refreshing, with quite a bit of lime, a hint of grassiness, and a surprisingly pleasant touch of banana on the finish. None of the grapefruit or musk that some people find objectionable in many Sauvignon Blancs, especially those from New Zealand.
It's not incredibly complex, but it's simplicity and cleanness are part of the charm.
A great summertime refresher, good with a salad or hors d'œuvres, or just for sitting on the patio when you want to enjoy a glass rather than think about it.


Recommended.


Oak Grove wines have limited availability. Check their website at http://www.oakgrovewines.com/wines.php to find it near you.

Abbeyville Napa Valley Fume Blanc 2009

What a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc.Unlike all too many modern day Sauvignon Blanc wines, Abbeyville Fume Blanc does not overwhelm you with grapefruit and musk. Instead, the nose is dominated by pear, with melon, pear, and a little citrus on the palate.
It is on the lighter side, but that's part of what makes it so refreshing. This is a great summertime picnic wine, but would also do very well as part of a cocktail party, or with a light meal such as a salad or sandwich. And at only $10, it's a good value.

Recommended.