Chapelle St. Amoux, Vacqueyras, 2005

Little Southern Rhone wine.  Given it's $12.99 price tag, I would say it is a pleasant everyday wine.  Quite drinkable, nice structure, not too fruity.  It does however lucks any distinction.  It pretty much could come from anywhere in Southern France if not from Bordeaux.  Enough said...

Chateau Cissac, Haut Medoc 2004

Very respectable cru bourgeois from a bad vintage.  It would be interesting to taste a different year.  The wine definitely suffers from a bad year yet it still delivers.  Nose is pretty much absent that is, most probably, yet again because of the quality of the fruit.  The wine is pretty lean: blackberry and leather o na a palate.  I found it in Arlington's Whole Foods on Sale for about $20.  It is worth the money.

La Rosine, Syrah 2003

I love this one.  It comes from Ogier family, a famous Northern Rhone producer.  This is as good as a simple table wine level Syrah gets. It comes from a village of d'Ampuis located towards the south end of the Northern Rhone region.   The wine is very well balanced and a notes of black currant on the palate.  While tasting in after being open for 24 hours I also picked some toffee flavors.  This is a steal at $19.99 (McArthur Liquors, Washington DC)

Casa D'Ambra, Ischia 2008

Here is a lovely wine coming from a tiny island off the cost of Napoli. www.dambravini.com wonderful lemon and quince, really great. value for $12.99.  It is mice as both an aperitif as well as a food wine, ecpecially for spicier food.  I found it at Stew's in Long Islanf

Chateau Le Pey, Medoc, 2004

Cru Bourgeois of a pretty bad 2004 vintage.  I did like the wine.  It has almost no nose, well, some tobacco yet the wine have a very nice structure.  It is pretty lean with leather and,yet again, tobacco notes on a palate.  I noticed very little fruit yet again, this is not surprising give how bad that vintage generally is.  I would be interested to try a different vintage.  The wine is a definite buy with its $14.99 price tag.  It was found at Stew's Farmingdale Long Island

Raphael, Savignion Blanc, Grand Cru, North Fork of Long Island, NY 2007

About 2 months ago I left Washington DC for a new job in Long Island NY.  To my pleasant surprise I found out that Long Island not only has a lot of great restaurants and wine shops but it also home for a number of wineries producing descent wines.  In my opinion, local whites are more interesting.  I especially like Savignion Blanc and Riesling.

Raphael's Sauvignion Blanc is made in a Loire Valley style. This particular wine is crisp, mineral and has a whiff of petrol that reminds me Pouilly Fume.  I found it very enjoyable.  I have to, however, note that it is fruitier than its French analogs

Last weekend I went to the North Fork to visit the wineries.  Although the area itself is very pleasant, I can't say that I enjoy an experience at the wineries..  All wineries are charging tasting way more than they should given a value of those wines and level of competency exhibuted by their staff.  All in all wine tasting in France and Italy is still much more fun.

Helfrich, Alsace Grand Cru, 2005

AN Alsacian Grand Cru made by someone named Steinklotz.  Not bad for $ 17.99 wine yet not that interesting.  Pretty fruity; minerality is sort of  there yet it doesn't rise to a level of truly interesting Riesling.  All in all, completely forgetable.  $17.99 at Stew's, Long Island

Chateau Magence, Grave 2006

Great nose of apples and a palate of citrus fruit.  Very simple Bordeaux worth it's $9.99 price tag.  Do not search for it yet, if you see it while looking for a simple white to compliment your dinner, it'll most probably do fine.

Baron de Brane, Margaux 2005

Here is an answer regarding a cellar life of this one.  It is about 4 years!  2005 is drinking very nicely with good balance.  Nice blackberry notes, pleasant tanins.  I am not that sure that I want to pay $24.99 for it though..As I already noted before 2000 and 2003 are not that interesting anymore.

Acantos, Toscany 2000

A blend of 80% SIngiovese and 20% Syrah.  It is pretty nice lively with cherry on a palate.  I, however, tasted much more interesting Toscany wines in this price range (about $29 dollars) so I would say don't buy it

Arthemis, Cotes de Costillion 2000

What can I say about this one...It is a nice Merlot based Bordeaux yet I am yet to be convinced that it is worth $50 dollars.  The wine seems somewhat one dimensional to me.  I am not quite sure that it is going to imrpove much so, I would say drink it now...It is pretty enjoyable yet I wouldn't recommend to specifically seek it out.

Chateau Haut Maillet, Pomerol 1998

It was a disappointment.  The wine wasn't showing too well.  It is a good property in Pomerol so we were a bit disappointment.  There was nothing wrong with the wine.  It just didn't seem to be interesting enough. Fruit was all gone with secondary flavors being pretty one dimensional.  I would say leather and not much else... As for the price, it usually somewhere in the mid twenty range although a  I am not sure you can get 1998 any more..

Roi de P, St. Emillion 1999

This is a top cru by Richard Dubois, a rather small producer in St. Emillion.  The wine was showing well with velvety texture of soft tannins.  Plum is the dominant fruit I could distinguish..  It doesn't show its age at all with no secondary flavors to be noticeable.  It would be interesting to taste it again in about 5-6 years to see how it develops.  This is pretty expensive wine going for about $80 dollars in US retail.  If you have it,  I would recommend to hold it for another 5-6 years, if you don't have it, don't buy it. There are better things you can do with $ 80 dollars.

Chateau Langoa-Barton, St.-Julien 1995

This is a great wine.  It is a great example of high class St Julien.  Langoa Barton is a Troisièmes Crus
according to the 1855 Bordeaux classification.  The wine is truly wonderful with notes of blackcurrant and tobacco.  The link above has some tasting notes as well.  All in all, if you have an opportunity to taste this wine, definitely do so.  It is worth it.  As far as the price goes, I am not quite sure how much this wine is worth at the moment. I bought it a number of years ago for about $ 40 dollars.  The other day I saw 2005 Langoa for $94 dollars.  It looks like prices went up considerably for this one.

Domaine Christophe Davault, Tourraine, Sauvignion, 2008

Yet another simple, straightforward, dirt cheap Tourraine Savignion.  In my book,  the above is a complement.  I like this kind of simple "what you see is what you get kind of wine"   This is one is well crafted and unpretentious.  Citrus with some minerals on a palate; lemon and green apple on the nose.  It is totally worth $9.99 that Arlington's Whole Foods wants for it.

Chateau Cote de Baleau, St. Emillion Grand Cru, 2000

Well, not bad.   Yet again, I think that the wine doesn't have enough of an aging potential.  It is very pleasant and drinkable.  Fruit, mostly blackberry, is still there.  It has a nice structure: "wet dog" on the nose with leather and tobacco notes.  If you can find it at around $20 it is worth it yet don't spent more than that, not really worth it. I would try 2005 vintage.

Chateau Landat Vieille Vignes, Haut-Medoc 2000

Well, not bad yet not overly interesting.  The wine is definitely over its aging potential.  Even superb 2000 vintage couldn't really hold up for 9 years.  In fact, I think it peaked around 2006-07...All in all, it may be worthwhile to try 2005 vintage although, I think, it is at about $24-25.  I wouldn't pay that much for it.

Chateau Roland La Garde, Cotes de Blaye,2000

This is a sad story...  I actually liked this wine, yet it clearly failed a test of time.  2000 vintage is most definitely past its prime.  The wine taste pretty flat iwth no fruit left. I, however, believe that something like 2005 vintage should be quite nice: Full body muscular with a lot of blackberry and firm tannins to support it.  It should be a nice food wine to pair up with beef and lamb.  Don't expect to be wow-ed though....It should be around $13-14.

Valminor Rias Baixas, 2007

Yet another very well crafted Spanish white from Rias Baixas.  I liked it a lot, very aromatic with floral nose and a palate of citrus, quince and apple.  Lovely wine.  Below is story on Rias Baixas wines I found on the web.  $14.99 at Whole Foods, Arlington.

Rias Baixas and Albariño

In the far northwest corner of Spain, the Rias Baixas (low rivers) is located in lush, verdant Galicia. Snuggled just above Portugal, Galicia has more in common with Scotland than Spain, and indeed forms what is known as the “Celtic Triangle” with Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Brittany.. It is an exceptionally beautiful wine region, also making some of the best white wines at the moment. The star wines from Rias Baixas are made with the Albariño grape. Albariño is likened to both Riesling and Viognier, Riesling for its minerally character and Viognier for its bouquet of peaches and apricots. Many wine experts, including the legendary Miguel Torres, believe that Albariño is actually the Riesling grape and that the vines were brought over by medieval German monks who were establishing monasteries on the Camino de Santiago ( Saint James Way). The regulatory council in Rias Baixas disagree and believe that the Albariño grape is indigenous to the area.

While the experts can’t seem to agree on the origin of Albariño, they definitely agree that it is Spain ’s most elegant white grape. The Rias Baixas appellation is comprised of three wine production areas: the Val do Salnès (north of Pontevedra), O Rosal Condado do Tea (which translates colourfully as “Torch Country”). Albariños are fairly low in alcohol, are quite floral and very delicate. They are considered to be some of the most sophisticated wines from Spain.

Isole e Olena Wines

Paulo de Marchi of Isole e Olena Winery from Tuscany happened to be in DC on Friday presenting his wines at Arrowine in Arlington.  I was fortunate enough to get to the tasting.  All the wines were outstanding.  They do not come cheap yet you are paying for exceptional quality.  I have tasted  an 2006 Estate Chardonnay, 2006 Chianti, 2006 Syrah, 2005 High End 100% Sangiovese called Caparello and a Nebiolo based wine from the Winery's satellite vineyard in Piedmont.   I am not sure that I would buy $41 Chardonnay yet this is mostly because  I am not a fun of full body, Chardonnay based Whites.  Chianti is excellent.  It is markedly softer comparatively to a traditional style Chianti so purists do not need to apply.  That one will set you back around $25.  Caparello is a superb Sangiovese.  It needs to be cellered for a few years.  It'll get better yet.  This one is $74.  Syrah is interesting and rather unique in flavors.  It taste like a mid-point between Old and New World Syrah: softer than Northern Rhone, less concentrated than Southern Rhone yet way less fruity than Australian Shiraz.  Peidmont Nebiolo tasted exactly as Piedmont Nebiolo is supposed to taste.  I liked it but, yet again, it'll get better with age.  I do not think it is quite ready to drink.  All in all, it is a great producer.  All the wines are well worth trying.

Barone the Brane, Margaux 2003

A different vintage of a wine that I reviewed last week; still underwhelmed.  Ah well, sometime it is o'k to have something unassuming to accompany your Coq au Vin...Although this one is too expensive to be as unassuming as it is.  Not sure this one is still on the market.

Movia Rose Brut

We have tasted this sparkler at the Proof Wine Bar.  The wine is made by Ales Kristancic of Movia Winery , a proud member a growing cohort of the wine producing certifiable nutcases.  It, however, must be said that the guy is making truly unique wines of exceptional quality.  This sparkling wine is crafted from Pinot Nero, a Pinot Noir with an Italian bent using a Methode Traditionelle, the same method that is used for Champagne production.  There is, however, a significant difference+ the wine is not disgorged.  It, therefore, is staying in contact with yeast (sur lie) all the way up to a moment of its opening.  Because of that, the wine has to be opened up side down under water that provides for an additional amusement for whoever is watching and a moment of sheer terror for whoever is in charge of opening....

The wine has unique, very complex flavor profile.  It is definitely a full body.  It does remind me both a Rose Champaigne and sparkling wines from Southern France,  It does have that apple cider flavor typical for Cremant de Limoux.  For those who want to get a general idea about the flavors (very general though) and do not want to spend $85 dollars at Proof, you may try .Domaine de Martinolles, Cremant de Limoux.that I reviewed about a week ago.

Le Baron de Brane, Margaux 2000

This is a second wine of Brane-Cantenac which is a Deuxieme Cru according to the 1855 Bordeaux Classification..  All in all it is a descent wine yet, somehow, I find it underwhelming. The wine lacks depth and complexity that one would expect from a producer of this caliber.  Fruit is pretty much gone with an exception of some faint blackberry notes.  The nose of leather and tobacco and the palate of, yet again, leather, tobacco and blackberry.  Not sure you can still get it...

Domaine Manoir du Carra Beaujolais Villages 2007

I came across this unfiltered $11 Beaujolais Villages at the Arlington Whole Foods.  I was intrigued, so I got a bottle....Well, don't do it.  You may find a much better use for your $11 bucks.  This is not to say that this is a particularly bad wine.  It is not.  It is just completely uninteresting. I have literally nothing to say about it except that it is rather light, fruity red that is somewhat unbalanced.  I think I just saved you all $11 dollars....

Domaine de Martinolles, Cremant de Limoux - more on LImoux sparklers

Here goes my 2nd post on Limoux  sparkling wines.  To the best of my understanding this Creamant is a blend of Mauzac, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Clairet with Mauzac being a major contributor.  It is a Rose. Naturally, it has more body and complexity comparatively to the white Blanquette that  I reviewed few days ago.  It has a fuller, rounder taste. I would still mention apple and herbs as major characteristics.  The wine goes very well with spicy Asian fare
For more info on Limoux wines, go to: Languedoc website.  I enjoyed the wine; $14.99 at the Whole Foods, Arlington.

Le Berceau, Blanquette de Limoux

I tasted my first Blanquette while dining at Cork (see earlier post).  I found it interesting enough to look for more....  Next day I went to the Whole Foods and got whatever they had.  They had a basic blanquette so I thought I start there..  It is a descent basic sparkler. This one is a blend of Mauzac (that is also sometimes called Blanquette) 90% with the remainder being evenly split between Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc.  Clairette is yet another grape that sometime goes into the mix... This particular wine is made using Methode Tradiotionelle.

There are, however, Blanquettes made using Methode Ancestrale.  Those are made solely from Mauzac.  For slightly weird people who care about those things, I can't help to mention that these wines are traditionally bottled on a full Moon in March.,,,  Long live biodynamics...

This Blanquette has a light, fruity flavour, reminiscent of green apples and cider. As a general rule, the smaller the bubbles the better the sparking wine.  Well, I am looking at the bubbles, they seem small enough...

Limoux is situated on the D118 in the heart of Cathar country. 25 km south of Carcassonne, along the upper valley of the River Aude between the Chalabra plateau to the west and that of Lacamp to the east, stretching towards the foothills of the Pyrenees. If you didn't have a chance of being there you should, this is truly a beautiful place.  Besides

Cathar is rich in history being home to one of the earliest religious uprisings against the power of Rome.  Besides, it recently became home for a new wave of Michelin rated restaurants.

For more info on Limoux wines go to: Languedoc and navigate to Blanquette...All in all, it is worh a try although this is far from the most interesting Blanquettes available; $11.99 at Whole Foods, Arlington.

Eden Center Eateries

For those who never had a chance to make it there, Eden Center located off Wilson Blvd near Seven Corners intersection looks like a little piece of Vietnam transferred to VA.  A friend of mine made me come there for a dinner and I will always be grateful for an introduction.  For those who like Vietnamese cuisine, it is as original as it gets on this side of  the Pacific.  Besides, it has two component I do appreciate: high quality cooking and dirt cheap pricing...Given that restaurant menus include over 100 dishes, I figure I just pick something to talk about.  Here comes Vietnamese take on fusion.  In the first half of the 20th century, French have spent quite a bit of time in Indochina.  Although not all things French were particularly appreciated in Vietnam, crepe and baguette were...So here comes Vietnamese take on crepe and baguette sandwiches.  Both things are great.  I have started with Huong Viet Restaurant that has couple of crepe entries that are definitely worth trying and followed with a little hole in the wall making wonderful baguette sandwiches.Given crepe, it is not your typical crepe sucre neither it is galette de sarrasin.  Yet again you wouldn't consider covering your gallete with fish souse would you?  It is just different yet still great   On the other hand, baguette tastes and looks exactly like one you can grab from a street stand in Paris yet the filling is unmistakingly Asian.  It works great.  All that is left to do is figuring out a good wine pairing!

Proof Wine Bar

Yet another DC Wine Bar that is definitely worth a visit.  Proof has an extensive and interesting wine list, especially by the bottle.  Price-wise, the wine selection covers an entire spectrum.  You can find interesting wines in $25-35 dollars range yet, if you fell like spending $15,000, you can do it just as well.  Proof has a very competent wine service.  Cuisine stands up to a wine list.  They do know how to cook....

I haven't try an espresso out a fear of being disappointed after having a truly nice dinner experience.  I, therefore, will give them a benefit of the doubt!  Whoever tried an espresso over there, please chime in!

Cotes du Jura, 2005

Chardonnay based wine coming from the Jura Region (South from Bourgogne)  This is a well made wine.  I bit too much body for my taste yet this is what is to be expected from the region.  Caramel nose with interesting sherry palate.  It almost feels like you are drinking sherry yet it is completely dry and has lightness and acidity of a well balanced white wine.  I am not sure you can easily find this one.  I got it at Arrowine (Arlington) for $25.

Domaine Guindon, Muscadet, 2007 - Food Pairing

I have already reviewed this wine so for that, look for an original post.  I, however, would like to share a food pairing that just was too good not to share...It is just so happened that I have a Zagat rated Peruvian chicken Rotisserie right next to my house.  In fact, that place is famous enough for Tony Burdain of No Reservations fame to include it into his program about food around Washington DC region.  In short, the place has the best roasted chicken I ever had in my life....But, back to the wine.  The other day, while walking past this hole in the wall, I decided to get some chicken for for lunch.  Naturally, good lunch just won't be complete without a glass of wine to go with a nice chicken.  Few days prior to that, I was listening to a wine podcast by In Vino BFM that is a really great wine program by an Economics themed Radio BFM from Marseilles. Those guys were talking about Brillat's - Savarin inspired unusual food pairing like Sauternes with oysters...Well, I decided to try Peruvian style roasted chicken with Muscadet...Guys, this is good, I mean really good...Citrus in wine plays perfectly with spices in the chicken rub and get the fries!  Screw healthy diet for a little while, it is worth it.  I wouldn't advocate to do in every day, but, yet again, it'll motivate you to get to that yoga class you need to go to regardless...

Wine Drinking Temperature

By popular demand and following to a conversation at today's milonga (for those uninitiated, milonga is a place where they dance Argentine tango that is almost as much fun as drinking good wine although requires much more efforts...) here are few suggestions on wine serving temperature:

• Full to Medium body Reds: ~65 F that is  what was called a "room temperature" before invention of the central heating
• Light Reds (stuff like Gamay, Loire grown Cab Franc, etc.,) : ~55F

A general rule is: if you want to focus a fruit in wine, cool the wine down...

• Full body Whites: This is really depends...Traditionally, high quality White Bourgogne is supposed to be served at s room temperature.  The same goes for Jura.  I, however, prefer those slightly chilled.  I go with around ~55F
• Medium body whites / Roses: ~50-55F 
• Light Whites / Sparkling: Below ~50F 

Treat the above as suggestions.  Everyone's taste is different...

Piutri, Solento 2005

This Negroamaro based Red comes from the Italy's Southern Region of Solento.  In my opinion it is an excellent wine: full body, nose of leather and tobacco with barnyard notes ( I love those in a well made red wine) and a palate of yet again leather with a bit of pepper and, I would say, blackberry.  It reminds me Rhone wines yet it is still distinct.  It is definitely a buy.  You can get it for $17.99 at Arrowine in Arlington.  If you a lucky, you can also get it for $14.99 at MacArthur Wine in DC yet, last time I checked, they were out.

Cork Wine Bar

Located at 1720 14th street, this place is definitely worth a visit.  Wine list has a lot of interesting options, including wines available by the glass.  The food is very good.  It also pairs very well with wine.  The bar itself is tastefully designed.  The service was excellent  All in all we really enjoyed it.  Only one word of caution: do not order an espresso, sadly enough, it really sucks.    

B, Domaine Brazilier, 2008

If you are looking for a poor main Bandol style Rose, look no further. This is pretty much it. Made out of Pineau D'Aunis and coming from Coteaux de Vendomois the wine has a copper color, slight citrus nose and citrusy, slightly minerally flavor profile typical for a white vine. I would even compare it with a Sancerre...The producer claim pepper notes in the wine yet I didn't caught those...

Coteaux du Vendomois is a 142 hectare wine appellation in the Loire Valley in France known for the white wines produced from Chenin blanc and reds from Pineau d'Aunis. For whatever reason they call Rose "the unique Vin Gris". I am yet to get the uniqueness of this stuff...It gained AOC status in 2001 and is located mainly east of the town of Vendome stretching along both banks of Loire's tributary. Vendome seats right on N10 North East from Tour. it is kind of interesting that the wine is tasting like a Rose from Provence coming from so much further North... All in all, it is o'k and drinkable...In fact, you'll probably drink more than you expect.... The wine goes for $13.99 at Arrowine, Arlington

Gamay, Coteaux d'Angenis 2008

How often you get a French wine named by a grape variety? Not to often...Here is one that is worth the attention. Coming for Domain Guindon that also makes a lovely Muscadet, this Vine Delimite de Qualite Superieure Rose is perfect for a hot August weather. This is very simple, have almost no nose yet very pleasant on a palate with, I would say raspberry flavor. To give you a visual, imagine yourself sitting in a Bouchons Lionnais completely perplexed by a shear number of different sausages available in the menu. To clear up your mind you instinctively pick your glass and this is exactly what is in it. You drink few of those and a wonderful clarity comes to you...All those sasauges are good and it'll be o'k no matter what you chose....This feeling only is totally worth $11.99 at Arrowine (Arlington) wants for that one.

Fuente Milano 2008

Spanish white coming from Castilla y Leon region (Spain's north west). A 50-50 blend of Verdejo and Viura taste pretty much as New Zealand Savignion Blanc...Of course, one could ask: why the heck anyone would by a Spanish white that taste like a New Zealand's Sav Blanc given that the latter is readily available. Well, good question...I don't know either...I bought it at the tasting out of pure curiosity...All in all a pleasant wine good with pork and chicken, $11.99 at Arrows Wines

Domaine Pascal Aufranc Chenas 2007

Coming form vines planted in 1939 here is yet another village level Beaujolais. Not bad yet not particularly interesting. Traditional Gamay flavor profile with strawberry on a palate. Again, I do not want to criticize the wine. It is well made. I just don't find it particularly interesting. It is a good deal at $14.99 though.

Regnie, Vieille Vigne, Haute Ronze 2006

Have you ever heard about Appelation Regnie Controlee? Me neither yet this is a Beaujolais and a pretty nice one. It doesn't taste much like Gamay. It is significantly less fruity with a lot of structure, not much of a nose, note of graphite on a palate and a lot of minerality. I like it. It goes nice with food and equally nice without...For $12.99 (Arrows Wine) it is a buy

Domaine Bellevue, Touraine 2008

This $ 9.99 (Whole Foods) Savignion Blanc from Loire is simple and refreshing. I think it goes perfectly with DC August weather. Typical budget Loire Savignion flavor profile, goes great with fish, including shell fish and vegetables.

Willm, Riesling Reserve 2007

I do like this producer.This is an o'k Riesling ($12.99 at Whole Foods, Arlington). It is not however a particularly great one or particularly good value. In fact for 18.99 at MacArthur you can get a grand cru by the same producer that is a superior wine for not much more money. As for a palate, a pretty typical low end Alsatian Riesling. Well made but nothing special

Chateau de Callac, Graves 2005

Oh this unmistakable taste of a cheap Bordeaux...I won't, however, say that it is a particular bad one. In fact $12.99 (on sale at Whole Foods, Arlington) seems to be a fair price yet don't hunt for it. This is something to drink at your neighbourhood bistro (those to be found across Atlantic from here) over steak frit and to forget the second you are done with it. All in all if you are picking something up for dinner on a way home, it'll work. There is really no point to talk about nose and palate...

Classic, Domaine de Tariquet 2008

This blend of Ugni Blanc and Colombard is coming from an Armagniac distiller. BTW, do not buy their basic Armagniac, not that interesting. As for the wine, with 10.5% alcohol content, light lemony palate and $7.99 price tag ( Whole Foods, Arlington) it totally works for me. La salade, la saucisson sec, la poisson fumee, la fromage agee, Vive la Gascogne!

Aligote, Domaine de Regusse, 2008

This one actually comes from Haute Provenace as opposed to Borgogne. Apple on a palate, a touch of sweetness, all in all totally worth $9.99 (Whole Foods, Arlington). I would have it with any vegetarian Mid-Eastern and Indian as well as white fish. I wouldn't recommend it for a shell fish.

La Rosine, Ogier Syrah 2001, 2003

Basic Syrah by Ogier family. This is an outstanding wine for a bargain $19.99 price (MacArthur Wine). Get whatever year you can get, you won't regret it. The wine is made in a classic Rhone Syrah style (yes, it does smell like a barnyard that I found irresistable...) although it is a tad softer than many Northern Rhone wines. The property is located somewhat toward the south end of the Northern Rhone wine region. For those caring about it, Karen MacNell likes this producer

Chateau d"Epire, Grand Cru d'Anjou 2006

The best Savennieres I ever tasted. Tropical fruits on the palate with good acidity underneath. Of course you've got to like Savennieres to appreciate this one. The wine is recommended by Karen MacNell is one of the best from the region. $18.99, MacArthur Wines

Combiaty, Brouilly, 2006

Village level Beaujolais (Vieilles Vignes); A bit too fruity for my palate yet very nice with food. It is totally worth $14.99 on sale at Whole Foods (Arlington). I would not, however, buy it for $18.99. Typical Gamay flavor profile with strawberry palate.

Chateau-Prety, Beaujolais Villages, 2007

Comes from Saint Veran. I think it is an outstanding Beaujolais. The wine has great balance. It is significantly less fruity than a garden variety Beaujolais-Village yet is it still pretty soft displaying typical Gamay flavors. The wine has almost Burgundian qualities. Don't expect it to rival Chambolle Musigny but you are paying only $14.99 for that one (Arrows Wine, Arlington). Good with and without food. I like it the best at about 60F serving temperature

Orgofilia, Strofilia 2006

Red from Greece (Pelopennese); Nice value for $17.99 at Arrows Wine, Arlington; It's a blend of Agiorgetiko, Cabernet and Syrah; I have to say that it wasn't particularly memorable yet I do remember that the wine is well balanced, medium bodied and going well with meet and Coque au Vin. All in all, worth the money

Domaine Guindon, Muscadet, 2007

Comes from Coteaux de la Loire; Very descent white, for not much money ($11.99); Goes really well with fish; I also liked it with Indian and Mid-Eastern vegetarian dishes; Very simple, tart (those who like their whites with a touch a sweetness and / or body won't like this one), mainly citrus flavors; It does have some minerality to it due it's sur lie elevage

Chateau Le Breuil Renaissance, Medoc 2005

Good, basic Bordeaux wine. Nothing special but a clear expression of the terroir, good balance, refreshing 12.5% alcohol content in time of 13.5-14% average...The property is located in the north section of Medoc. Available at the Whole Food for about $11.99; All in all worth the money yet don't expect anything special

BLOG Raison D'Etre

Here is a a collection of my wine tasting notes with few other losely related comments