This Week’s Wine Tasting
JP Bourgeois Selections- French Wine
Welcoming special guest Jean-Philippe Bourgeois
“For 6 years, starting in the early 2000s, Jean-Philippe was the General Manager for one of the top fine wine importers in the country and one of the most respected men in the industry. Six years spent with the best of the best honed to a fine sheen his lifelong passion for wine. He has also consulted for several projects to help start or improve the efficiency of various importers. Since a young age, Jean-Philippe has been traveling within the viniculture regions of France and Europe. Due to his lifelong passion for wine, international education, resulting in 2 BAs and one MBA, extensive travel and fluency in three languages: French, English and Spanish; he is uniquely suited to facilitate the best interests of producers and distributors, and provide American customers with hand selected and unique fine wines.”
Elisa Gueneau Sancerre Blanc “Les Griottes” 2013– Loire Valley, France. “Elisa Gueneau, winegrower in Sury-en-Vaux, works on the family estate spreading over 15 hectares of A.O.P. Sancerre wine. The terroir of Domaine Gueneau is comprised of 60 parcels that were planted in alternating years, in a small closely figured valley. Due to the extreme fossilization of the soil beneath the vines the terroir is argilo-calciare rich, thus resulting in wines that are resplendent in minerals and crispness.” Jen’s notes- Juicy nose- aromatic and perfumed. Candied ginger/grapefruit is subtle. Pretty scents. Lean/tangy acid. Fresh, juicy, long, dry. Good. $21.99
Bellula Chardonnay 2013– Languedoc, France. “This wine offers a clear golden color with an intense nose of citrus and fruits (passion fruit and mango). A refreshing wine, round on the palate, whose generous and fruity mouth carries out the aromatic complexity of the nose with a pleasurable and smooth length. Mineral and fruity aromas are found on the finish. A beautiful and flavorful modern white wine!” Jen’s notes- Pale yellow. Sweet tropical with golden apple. Textured and juicy. Easy/fresh. Some stony notes. Simple. Good value. $9.99
Bellula Pinot Noir 2013– Languedoc, France. “An intense red color and a nose packed with red fruits and spices for this wine, whose palate confirm the aromas revealed by the nose. The well-balanced mouth is fine and elegant and offers a nice freshness. Round, very fruit-forward, this extreme value wine can be enjoyed with your everyday meals or by itself.” Jen’s notes- Fruit-forward, gentle style. Easy, approachable. Little acid. Juicy fruits. $9.99
Bellula Cabernet Sauvignon 2013– Languedoc, France. “This wine features an intense color with a purple hue and a complex and expressive nose (red and blackberries, soft pepper, licorice, slight cocoa notes). Round, very fruit-forward, this wine presents excellent value!” Jen’s notes- Sweet cherry, robust aromas. Rich and full. Approachable. $9.99
Sensation Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2013– Rhone Valley, France. 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 5% Cinsault. “12 months in stainless steel tank (85%) and French oak barrels (15%). Pascal Maillet has handcrafted this wine from 35+ year old vines growing on the higher plateau in the Rhone Valley. The wine displays knockout aromas of black cherry and cassis alongside dark spices and black olive. It is an intense and compelling mix of fruit and savory notes, with a long mouthwatering finish.” $10.99
Chateau Roc Meynard Bordeaux Superieur 2011– Bordeaux, France. 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc. “The Chateau spreads over 40 hectares including 29 hectares of vineyards and 11 of woods and fields. It is located in the village of Villegouge in the Fronsac region, only a few miles from the Grand Cru Saint Emilion and Pomerol. The vines from the Chateau Roc Meynard are right on the border of the Fronsac A.O.C. separated by just a small dirt alley. The vines are planted on hillsides within a perfect terroir with chalk, clay and sandy soils. Aged for 20 months in tank. This is a robust yet elegant and well-balanced wine with a perfect expression of ripe red and black fruits with darker spices.” Jen’s notes- Full aromas- cassis, black fruit. Chocolate/mocha, very dark with spice qualities. Good. $12.99