French Wine Tasting 3/28/2012

The incomparable Noelle Norton from Hand Picked Selections returned to her old stomping ground to give a table to table informal tasting of several tasty wines from her portfolio. All of Hand Picked Wines show well. The crowd was very attentive, and in a buying mood. Both the rose, and Carrignan blend were way above average.

• 2010 Commanderie de la Bargemone Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Rosé 90 Points

  France, Provence, Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence

  This is a really nice little rose. It has just a hint more depth, structure, and concentration, enough to break the 90 point glass ceiling. The color is an intense pink. The nose is fresh cut roses, strawberry, cranberry, and a touch of wet stone minerals. From the second it crosses the lips, you know this one is a little more focused and intense. The cherry and cranberry is at first crisp and sharp, then melts into a structured softness. Almost perfect balancing acidity. Bigger mouth feel than typical for a rose, maybe a touch of glycerin. The finish seems firm and structured.

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• 2010 La Noble Chardonnay 86 Points

  France, Languedoc Roussillon, Vin de Pays d'Oc

  I've tried this wine a couple of times, and to me it is on the austere side, in a good way. They are bringing us a non oaked Chardonnay with Old World flavor characteristics that are subtle and subdued. The color is quite golden. The nose is focused bright fruit, and I get even a touch of banana, with some minerals, and a really special note of white flowers. Once it crosses the palate, it has that characteristic that I refer to as "oily" with very nice structured viscosity. The peach and pear fruit is evenly balanced with those earthy non fruit, slightly spicy mineral flavors. There is a crispness to the acid hat only happens with little or no oak treatment. The finish is dry, subtle earthiness with ginger root and lemon rind with maybe a soft cinnamon.

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• 2009 Château de Pena Vin de Pays des Pyrénees-Orientales Cuvée de Peña 89 Points

  France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Vin de Pays des Pyrénees-Orientales

  This is a pretty special wine. A real crowd pleaser. It tastes and shows like a wine of twice the price. Very dark in color. The nose simply says concentration. All kinds of black fruit, brown spice, charcoal, and minerals. The fruit attacks the palate with lushness, so much so, on first sip you almost wonder if this is real. So focused and clean, the black fruit and non fruit flavors are totally in harmony. This is one of those wines so balanced, it leaves the impression of sweetness, even though totally dry. Very well integrated. The tannins, acid, and alcohol do not make much individual attention, they work together. The finish is fruit dominated, but exhibits lots of subtle flavors like caramel, smoke, black tea, crushed herbs, and minerals.

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• 2010 Domaine Puydeval Rouge 87 Points

  France, Languedoc Roussillon, Vin de Pays d'Oc

  We have had the chance to drink several vintages of this fine offering from the south of France. My favorite is the 2009 for it's attack of bright fruit and classy balance. This 2010 is also a great tasting, somewhat unusual blend that over delivers for the price. This one tastes younger, by that I mean not quite as giving. The color is rich deep purple. The nose is slightly closed and a little more sharp with blackberry, black cherry, cola, and some earth tones. When the dark fruit hits the palate, you know there is some Cabernet Franc with some brooding blackberry and minerals, backed up with some spicy black cherry. Very nice balance. The tannins and soft, smooth and enhancing. Just a little shy, I think some extra bottle age will help this one show its true potential.

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