Category: France

Les Franches Sancerre by Jolivet 2016

91
Jolivet
Fanciful Name: Les Franches
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $25

Tasting Notes: A nose of citrus fruits and fresh rain on rocks. This sancerre exhibits a palate of lemon, lime and minerals. The brightness of flavors is paired perfectly with a lingering acidity.
Les Franches Sancerre by Jolivet 2016

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Aegerter Les Enfants Pinot Noir 2016

92
Aegerter
Fanciful Name: Les Enfants
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $12.99

Tasting Notes: Aergerter is a well-known Burgundy producer that travels outside of Burgundy to make an amazingly affordable pinot noir from.... the Languedoc? With the same care and skill they use in Burgundy, they are able to craft the most well balanced, pure pinot noir you will ever find for under $15.
Aegerter Les Enfants Pinot Noir 2016

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Henry Fessy Les Vergers Macon-Villages 2014

92
Henry Fessy
Fanciful Name: Les Vergers
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Macon-Villages
Retail Price: $16

Tasting Notes: The bright apple and citrus aromas that fill the glass are quite welcoming. The presence of all-stainless-steel ageing are evident in this extremely bright, clean and elegant wine. Beautifully balanced acidity and minerality make this wine truly a pleasure to drink. A wonderfully fresh-but-slightly sweet finish is perfect for any occasion.
Henry Fessy Les Vergers Macon-Villages 2014

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Domaine Filliatreau Chateau Fouquet Saumur Rouge 2015

95
Domaine Filliatreau
Fanciful Name: Chateau Fouquet
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $19.99

Tasting Notes: 100% Cabernet Franc from organically grown grapes from vineyards in the Saumur village of Breze. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel. Expressive floral, black fruit and coffee aromas combine with rich earth tones. Concentrated flavors of blackberry, plum and mocha harmonize with firm tannins and a lovely hint of terroir. The finish is long with sweet/tart acidity melding perfectly with the tannins. Decant for at least two hours and pair with roast pork, duck, lamb or game. Though very enjoyable now, this wine will cellar beautifully for 3-5 years.
Domaine Filliatreau Chateau Fouquet Saumur Rouge 2015

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Domaine Filliatreau La Grande Vignolle Saumur-Champigny Rouge 2015

96
Domaine Filliatreau
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: La Grande Vignolle
Retail Price: $22.99

Tasting Notes: The Cabernet Franc for this fabulous wine is grown on the La Grande Vignolle vineyard which is composed of a unique type of limestone called tufa-stone and highly calcareous subsoils. The mineral nuances are evident in the wine from beginning to end. Along with this, there is a lush bouquet of lilac, raspberry, and cherry. There are layers of concentrated red fruit, clove, and licorice flavors with a hint of “cigar-box” leading to a long finish with firm tannins. To enjoy now, decant for at least 2 hours. For optimum enjoyment, lay this one away for 5-7 years. Your patience will be well-rewarded!
Domaine Filliatreau La Grande Vignolle Saumur-Champigny Rouge 2015

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Domaine Filliatreau “Linnea” Saumur Blanc 2016

96
Domaine Filliatreau
Fanciful Name: Linnea
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $16.99

Tasting Notes: 100% chenin blanc from 25-plus-year-old vines grown on the Filliatreau Family Estate. Fermented and aged in stainless steel with a short maceration on the skins. A bouquet of melon, pear, peach and a wisp of anise leads to those flavors on the palate with crisp, lively acidity and a hint of minerality on the lengthy finish. The wine is totally dry, though really shows lovely ripe fruit. It’s a great example of Loire chenin blanc that will complement seafood, cream sauces and milder Oriental cuisine. It’s also a perfect aperitif!
Domaine Filliatreau “Linnea” Saumur Blanc 2016

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Anne de Joyeuse Cabernet Original 2015

90
Anne de Joyeuse
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $13

Tasting Notes: A clear “Best Buy,” this has nice concentration of ripe, dark berry flavors and is quite focused and balanced. Sees some barrel aging, which adds some nice depth while remaining fresh and balanced.
Anne de Joyeuse Cabernet Original 2015

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Château Phelan Segur 2014

93
Château Phelan
Varietal: Bordeaux
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $45

Tasting Notes: From St.-Estephe, Bordeaux. From a well-established and highly regarded producer, from the northern reaches of the Medoc, this wine shows plenty of polish. It is well balanced, with excellent fruit, tempered by balancing acidity and tannins. Delicious now, patience will be rewarded by cellaring for a few years.
Château Phelan Segur 2014

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2015 Maison Nicolas Cabernet Sauvignon

95
Maison Nicolas
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $10.99

Tasting Notes: Maison Nicolas has been a premier shipper/importer of excellent quality, great-value French wines for years. This Pays D’OC- I.G.P. cabernet sauvignon has subtle floral aromas with nuances of currant, black cherry and plum. After a bit of aeration, some mineral notes show. On the palate, you’ll taste the aforementioned fruit flavors along with some of Languedoc’s famous terroir. Tannins are soft and in perfect balance with lively acidity on the finish. This is simply a darn good bottle of French cabernet sauvignon and an unbeatable value!
2015 Maison Nicolas Cabernet Sauvignon

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L’conti Blanquette de Limoux

90
L’conti
Varietal: Sparkling
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $13.99

Tasting Notes: Limoux is one of the best regions to get into sparkling wine that drinks well above its price, and this wine is no exception. This blend of mauzac, chenin blanc and Chardonnay screams with liveliness in the glass. It has wonderful green apple and pear flavors and a dry finish.
L’conti Blanquette de Limoux

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St Reine Blanc de Blanc Brut

90
St Reine
Varietal: Sparkling
Country of Origin: France
Retail Price: $13

Tasting Notes: This French sparkler has a green-apple focus but is laced with nutty spices and a creamy texture that supports the fruit and complements it. The wine is light but rich, pleasant and easy drinking with homage to Champagne in structure and biscuit finish.
St Reine Blanc de Blanc Brut

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Monmousseau Blend of Chenin Blanc

90
Monmousseau
Varietal: Chenin Blanc
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Cremant De Loire
Retail Price: $15.95

Tasting Notes: A complex nose and palate of green apple, citrus and fresh peaches leading to a creamy finish. All the grapes are hand-harvested and -selected. Made in the traditional method. One of the better Cremants. Imported by Masciarelli Wine Co.
Monmousseau Blend of Chenin Blanc

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