Wine Cellar - South of France
Wine Cellar
Tasted Wednesday, May 7, 2008 by rikipedia with 26 views
Flight 2 - The Reds: Southwest (2 Notes)
Flight 4 - The Reds: Languedoc & Roussillon: 2003-2006 (6 Notes)
The speaker emphasised the effect of the winds both for Collioure and the L_R. The Collioure wine region is influence by the Tramontane wind, which blows from the northwest (down from the Pyrenees), and is a dry wind that can help protect the vineyards from disease.
The Marin wind is a warm, moist wind in the Gulf of Lion of France, blowing from the southeast or south-southeast onto the coast of Languedoc and Roussillon. It brings rain to this region, which it has picked up crossing the Mediterranean, and also can bring coastal fog. The clouds carried by the Marin frequently cause rain on the slopes of the mountains in the interior, the Corbières Massif, Montagne Noire, and the Cévennes. The wind is usually dried by the föhn effect when it crosses the mountains and descends on the other side.
The Minervois region is generally on diverse soils that include limestone, sandstone, clay, and pebbles. However, La Liviniere sub-region of Minervois has limestone-dominated soils, with elements of sand and clay. The limestone in the Causse plateau below the hills plays a vital role in the soil in the style of the La Livieniere wines. They tend to be a little more energetic and vibrant, helping lift these full-bodied reds that are usually well-structured and elegant when young, with silky tannins and ripe fruit aromas.
2006 Domaine Félines Jourdan Picpoul de Pinet 83 Points
France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Picpoul de Pinet
(Tasted Blind) Mid-yellow colour that shows slight oxidation. Aromas of root vegetables, add an earthy element. The mid-palate is coarse with a bitter edge to it, whilst the flavours are reminiscent of boiled sweet, acidulated water and green apple, all feeling rather numbing. AC Picpoul-de- Pines created in 1985
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2005 Château Tour des Gendres Bergerac Sec Moulin des Dames 88 Points
France, Southwest France, Dordogne, Bergerac Sec
(Tasted Blind) Mid yellow with pleasant herbal notes and gunflint with aniseed. It bears some resemblance to Sauvignon Blanc but has its distinct character. Easygoing in a steely style, the wine has a creaminess (lees contact?) in the mid-palate and gently herby and lifted notes.
Semillon 50%, Sauvignon 40%, Muscadelle 10%
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2006 Domaine San Guilhem Côtes de Gascogne 86 Points
France, Southwest France, Gascony, Côtes de Gascogne
(Tasted Blind) Mid-yellow, the nose is more pronounced with honey, spice, stone, beeswax, and a hint of wet dog. A lively acidity on the front palate leads to richer, juicy notes of herbs and lemon that give a mineral-edged texture and acid thrust. Despite being relatively lightweight, the wine has a certain coarseness to it on the finish that is slightly detracted. A blend of Colombard and Ugni Blanc.
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2005 Château Lastours Gaillac Les Graviers 85 Points
France, Southwest France, Gaillac
(Tasted Blind): Light yellow, with a noted reductive edge of ammoniac, skunk and slowly but surely some floral notes. A light, funky character, the acid is medium, not lively and was softer than anticipated. Lots of blossom, some peach and nectarine with a more Forelle pear to pear blossom. The finish is a little more refreshing despite the unusual acid (apparently this grape is quite acidic) but closes with a cheese rind quality that was less exciting!
Loin de L'Oeil (far from the eye) is a white wine grape native to the Gaillac region of Southwest France. Its name signifies the grape's characteristic of having its bunches grow out far from the main vine on extended shoots.
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2006 Domaine Grier Maccabeu 88 Points
France, Languedoc Roussillon
(Tasted Blind): A pale lemon colour with notes of light toasty oak, gunflint, mineral and a slightly funky component (elevated S02 level) as it became more towards cordite. A lovely fresh and clean entry with some floral herb toward fennel fronds and crushed stone, the wine seemed somewhat one-dimensional but very easy to drink! A brighter New World angle here. Well-made and somewhat elegant.
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2006 Domaine du Bosc Coteaux du Languedoc Grande Réserve 84 Points
France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Coteaux du Languedoc
(Tasted Blind) Light yellow in colour with a more pronounced oak influence alongside notes of lychee and blossom, reminiscent of Gewurtztraminer. There is a blousy, musk element and openness that also suggests the presence of Muscat. Whilst quite flowery with some fruit, the wine was soapy (high pH?) and seemed to fall away on the finish. It's a charming, easy-drinking wine where what you see is what you get.
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2006 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Ventoux Blanc Les Traverses 84 Points
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Ventoux
(Tasted Blind)Pale yellow colour with a neutral nose that shows some minerals, sherbet and light white fruit. Rather one-dimensional, lacking complexity, the alcohol is pronounced and gives a spiky hot chilli sensation, resulting in a somewhat unbalanced impression.
Old vine grenache Blanc planted at 450m asl
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2004 Domaine Le Soula Le Soula Blanc 92 Points
France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Côtes Catalanes
(Tasted Blind) Light gold to old gold in colour with green flecks. A deep, intense nose with an oxidative style showing creamed honey, marzipan, old oak (foudre) and river pebbles. The mid-palate is complex, and the acid is vibrant, but I noticed a slight hint of volatility. With warming alcohol on the finish, the wine is well-integrated and has a tremendous depth of flavour and a long length, resulting in a distinct and different wine that I warmed to. Made from a blend of 7-8 varieties, whole-bunch pressed. 30% Sauvignon Blanc; 25% Roussanne, 25% Grenache Blanc, 10% Macabeu, 10% Malvoisie du Roussillon with bits of Vermentino and Grenache Gris. There is a partnership between Gabby and Richard Walfords.
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