Erica's Choice

In celebration of Bastille Day I participated in wine tasting of a variety of French wines at one of the local Milwaukee wine stores, namely The Thief Wine. The wines tasted had nothing in common other than being from France and as such the tasting was more an accumulation of the wine owner’s personal favorite French varietals as well as popular wines in the store. I participated as I particularly liked a couple of selections included in the tasting. Overall I truly enjoyed every wine tasted and would recommend most of these as good value. A couple truly captured my attention. Here are my thoughts and tasting notes:

1. Chateau Graville Lacoste 2008 Graves blanc ($18.95)

Nose: Lots of mineral & rock salt subdued with crisp green & golden apple, some pear and lemon rind. After standing for a while the wine opened up to portray fig and honeydew on the top which I believe stems from the addition of Semillon to the blend.

On the palate: Very acidic at first yet oily as well. The acidity comes from crisp apple flavors and mineral driven by the addition of Sauvignon Blanc. The palate did not have as much character as the nose, but overall this is a lovely summer wine which will serve exceptionally well with seafood.

Overall rating: 89/100

2. Novellum 2007 Chardonnay Vin De Pays De Cote Catalones ($10.95)

Nose: An abundance of honey, beeswax and vanilla bean at first giving away to slight hints of fruits (tangerine) and floral notes however the vanilla and honey caramel dominate. Very interesting nose for a Chardonnay from France.

On the palate: Tangerine & floral notes more abundant, yet still overwhelming flavors of honey in the comb.

This wine is the ultimate people pleaser and a must have in any wine shop. It’s cheap and different from the status quo and it has attractive flavors of honeydew, honey and vanilla. The floral & fruity notes in the background ads some character yet personally I find it a bit one dimensional. It is not a complex wine however it is flavorful and makes a statement! This is the ultimate people pleaser so if you are having friends over that are not familiar with white wine this may serve as a great introduction.

Overall rating: 87/100

3. Domaine Tempier Rose ($38.95)

Nose: At first I noted an abundance of gooseberry and guava slowly giving away to more subdued flavors of strawberry and some mineral notes & honey.

On the palate: Mixture of fruits (still guava, gooseberry) and floral notes with stronger hints of mineral on the palate. Multiple layered complex wine with soft tannins. Overall more fruit driven than what I expected, especially since the blend consisted of 53% Mourverdre, yet still quite a statement and a true treat.

Overall Rating: 91/100

4. Chateau Valcombe 2005 “Prestige” Cositiers De Nimes ($15.95)

Nose: Classic Syrah with earth, tree bark, leather, meat & burnt rubber. I also get hints of peppercorn and brown sugar/raisin notes. After standing for a bit hints of liquorish on the top.

On the palate: Very lean tannins and dark red fruits as well as red meat. The 30% Grenache is more prominent on the palate.

Overall rating: 91/100 – a great deal for $16

5. Chateau de Pressac 2005 St Emilion Grand Cru ($38.95)

Note: Lots of leather and polish. A typical Grand Cru which always reminds me of my grandfather’s library where he would sit on the well polished leather sofa, reading an old book and smoking a pipe. The smells are cozy, earthy, leathery & warm.

On the palate: This wine has a good kick on the palate driven by rough tannins.  I believe it can still age a few good years (5-8). It’s only a baby and has great potential. Lovely flavor that will explode over the next few years.

Overall Rating: 92/100

Favorite of the evening:

Chateau Valcombe 2005 “Prestige” Costieres de Nimes

- an absolute surprise and a great example of Syrah/Grenace blend. Given the abundance of flavors this is a steal for $16.