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