Category: France

Lionel Osmin Malbec 2011

95
Lionel Osmin
Fanciful Name: Cahors
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Cahors
Retail Price: $20

Tasting Notes: Classic Old-World malbec (100%) from a great producer, the wine is aged 10 months, 25% in oak barrels. The color is deep blue—almost purple. Aromas of black fruits, mocha, and “cigar-box” spiciness lead to bold flavors of blackberry and plum balanced with firm tannins and a hint of lovely terroir. Nice now, it will cellar for several years.
Lionel Osmin Malbec 2011

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Chateau Nozieres Ambroise de l’Her Cahors Malbec 2010

95
Chateau Nozieres Ambroise de l’Her Cahors
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2010
Appellation: Cahors
Retail Price: $20

Tasting Notes: Ninety percent malbec and 10% merlot aged 14 months in oak barrels. Blue/black in color and viscous in the glass. A bouquet of lilacs and berries leads to lovely flavors of blueberry and spice with a touch of sweet and toasty oak. Tannins are supple with a touch of earthiness on the finish. Very French, very good!
Chateau Nozieres Ambroise de l’Her Cahors Malbec 2010

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Maison Roche de Bellene Chardonnay 2011

92
Maison Roche de Bellene
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Bourgogne Blanc, Vieilles Vignes
Retail Price: $21.49

Tasting Notes: As good as it gets for white Burgundy anywhere close to this price point. A high-energy Chard that exhibits Meyer lemon, tart apple, allspice and honeysuckle. Nervy and persistent acidity keep the flavors nicely focused.
Maison Roche de Bellene Chardonnay 2011

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Maison Ambroise Chardonnay 2014

94
Maison Ambroise
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Bourgogne Aligoté
Retail Price: $13.99

Tasting Notes: A great entry into the world of Burgundy’s white wines. Crisp, apple and lemon fruit with a lean, light mouthfeel. Balanced and firm on the finish, with lively acidity underneath.
Maison Ambroise Chardonnay 2014

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Albert Bichot Bourgogne Vignes de Pinot Noir 2012

95
Albert Bichot Bourgogne
Fanciful Name: Vieilles Vignes
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Burgundy
Retail Price: $20

Tasting Notes: The “old vine” grapes for this consistently stylistic and superb wine come from four estates across Burgundy. A bright ruby color. Aromas of not-quite-ripe berry and cherry meld with hints of chalk, loam and flint, which says “Burgundy”! Delicate flavors of red fruits coat the palate, showing strong in the middle, and finishing with firm tannins and more terroir. This is a classic old-world Bourgogne Rouge. The 2012 vintage will develop beautifully for five more years―easily. An excellent value.
Albert Bichot Bourgogne Vignes de Pinot Noir 2012

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Domaine Achard Vincent, Clairette de Die, ‘Tradition’ NV

91
Domaine Achard Vincent
Varietal: Sparkling
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $24

Tasting Notes: This is a fantastic sparkling summertime sipper that comes from a little-known corner of the Rhone and is raised bio-dynamically. Wonderfully fresh and vibrant, it lures you in with loads of ripe peache, brused pear and honeysuckle. Here, the sweetness is balanced by fine acidity, a chalky minerality and just the right amount of bubbles.
Domaine Achard Vincent, Clairette de Die, ‘Tradition’ NV

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Domaine de Durban, Muscat de Beaumes de Venise 2014

92
Domaine de Durban
Varietal: Muscat
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $15 per 375-ml.

Tasting Notes: A lovely “vin doux naturel” that exudes much complexity. Flaunting apricot, caramelized orange peel, almond skin and beeswax, this is a treat for the senses. Its oily texture and sweetness is gracefully carried on an undercurrent of fresh acidity. This will drink well for many years to come.
Domaine de Durban, Muscat de Beaumes de Venise 2014

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Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Goldert Grand Cru Muscat 2013

95
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht
Varietal: Moscato
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Alsace
Retail Price: $65

Tasting Notes: Muscat elegance at its finest. A real keeper. Delicate and floral, with a touch of minerality. Long, lingering finish. A pleasure to sip and savor.
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Goldert Grand Cru Muscat 2013

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Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Muscat 2013

96
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht
Varietal: Muscat
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Alsace
Retail Price: $26

Tasting Notes: Pale gold in the glass, the nose is dominated by fresh stone fruit with touches of spice and dried fruit. The palate is exceptionally well balanced, with the fruit and acid working in tandem on the lengthy finish.
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Muscat 2013

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