NEW WINE from France and South Africa
This week we will try a selection of wines that are brand-new at Spirits, four from France and two from South Africa, half white half red. There will be two Sauvignon Blancs from France, of very distinct styles, as one is from Bordeaux and the other from the Languedoc. The Chardonnay is a *fantastic* Burgundian-style from South Africa, there will also be a Bordeaux-style red blend from South Africa- both are from a newly available producer called La Vierge (meaning “The Virgin;” yes, seductive I know). The other two reds are French, a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Languedoc (great value) and a Cotes du Rhone.
Someone at Spirits had a birthday this week (ok, I’ll just tell you… Matt!) so we plan to open a few super-cool bonus wines to celebrate. See you Thursday!
Bastille Sauvignon Blanc 2011– Vin de Pays d’Oc, Languedoc, France. “Liberte. Egalite. Fraternite.” “100% Sauvignon Blanc, made from young vines growing in the interland of the Languedoc. Aged for 5 to 6 months in stainless steel tank, this Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, with elegant notes of citrus and white fruits.” “Wine is made from the soul, not a rulebook. Ours is made without restraint, without pretension. Quite simply, it’s time to experience the freedom of what great wine can be. Storm the Bastille!” Jen’s note- Fresh nose, juicy citrus/white currants. Leesy texture. Tangy/tart. Refreshing. Very good. Great value. Imported by Bourgeois Family Selections. $9.99
Saint Glinglin Bordeaux Blanc 2012– Entre Deux Mers, Grand Vin de Bordeaux, France. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Made by Richard Betts with Francois Thienpont. “Another knockout release from Master Sommelier Richard Betts, this gorgeous 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the Entre Deux Mers region brings everything you love about Bordeaux Blanc to you at a modest price. Loads of gooseberry, citrus, and bright green fruit are evident on the nose and palate. The acidity is fresh and invigorating. This is an exceptional value for those looking for a great everyday white.” “Nose- apple, pear, kiwi, citrus, stone, grapefruit, and melon. Taste- grass, gooseberry, grapefruit, lime, melon, citrus, mineral, and flint.” Jen’s note- Bright nose- citrus and mineral, some gooseberry. Fairly mild, subtle acid/friendly entry. Wet stone. Dry and lean. Simple but good. Saint Glinglin is a French saying that translates to “when pigs fly.” $14.99
La Vierge Collection Chardonnay ‘Jezebelle’ 2011– Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Cape South Coast, South Africa. Aged in 10% new French oak for 9 months. “Jezebelle- famed as an enchantress with your mysterious gaze and deception, a promise of sensual love, yet an enigma- your legend lives on… The sublime, delectable Chardonnay expresses hints of lime and white flower aromas with mineral flavors, like the great classic wines, on the palate.” “The profile of this wine is based on the vines planted on a variation of Shale and Clay based soils. The wine therefore expresses the zip and texture of the clay on the palate and aromatic lime, white floral and stone fruit, mineral character on the nose. Enjoy now or allow to age for maximum result and enjoyment.” 1866 cases (of 6 bottles) produced. Jen’s note- Very aromatic, toasty/leesy/buttered toast. Burgundian qualities. Oak/spice presence, lanolin. Soft/gentle framed with gentle acid. Toasted oak notes and juicy fruit. Great texture, balance and value. Imported by Cape Floral Importers. $19.99
La Framboisiere Cotes du Rhone 2011– Cotes du Rhone, France. Made by Domaine des Escaravailles. “From around the village of Rasteau, this wine is made from 80% Grenache (80-years-old vines) and 20% Syrah (35 years old). Part of the wine is aged in barriques for about 12 months. 2011 was a terrific vintage in the Rhône, with abundant, mature, healthy grapes. This special label is made Daniel Johnnes with Philippe Cambie as the consulting oenologist.” Jen’s note- Pretty purple/clear garnet color. Very aromatic nose- blueberry and violet. Juicy entry, delicious acid and fruit integration. A great value. Bottled in France for Micheal Skurnik Wines. Imported by Michael Skurnik Wines- A David Johnnes Selection. $14.99
Bastille Cabernet Sauvignon 2011– Vin de Pays d’Oc, Languedoc, France. “Liberte. Egalite. Fraternite.” “100% Cabernet Sauvignon made from older vines growing in the Languedoc. A rich and full wine with well integrated tannins, aged for 10 months in stainless steel tanks. Dark ripe fruit followed by a solid structure and a smooth finish. A great expression of cab!” Jen’s note- Very inky, purple- pretty color. Deep nose of plum and spice. Some rustic notes. Dry and full-bodied. Good balance; great value. Imported by Bourgeois Family Selections. $9.99
La Vierge Collection ‘Nymphomane’ 2010– Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Cape South Coast, South Africa. A Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. “All grapes varieties were harvested separately by hand enjoying cool early morning temperatures. Aged and matured in French Oak Barriques (50% new barrels) for 15 months. Final blending occurred 2 months prior to bottling and the wine was allowed to develop further in bottle prior to release.” “In Greek mythology nymphs are nature spirits that appear as beautiful young women, and personify the creative activities of nature such as being associated with a life-giving spring or water source. Today nymphs refer to maidens or young women who are ready for marriage. This wine leans towards an elegant cool-climate feminine style and expresses cassis and anise on the nose, with black cherries and ripe plum on the palate ending with a full textured follow through.” Jen’s note- Malbec dominated/Argentine style. Toasty nose, coconut with sweet oak and dark fruits/plum/spice- not over the top. Bold acid and fruit flavors. Approachable and juicy. Tannin present/good texture. Imported by Cape Floral Importers. $19.99