A Whirlwind Tour of France

Welcoming a new set of faces to the workplace with a tour of a few of France's major wine regions. Starting with a rose from central France and moving out to Burgundy, Bordeaux, and the Rhone valley, this is a solid introduction into what I love about French wines.

Coming in from a hot day outside, we start with a Marsannay Rose from Nuits...

• 2007 Domaine Bruno Clair Marsannay Rosé 85 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Marsannay Rosé

  I was expecting more from this bottle of rose; the nose is relatively simple, with rose petals and watermelon with a hint of strawberry. The palate, while not overly sweet, is also not very interesting and carries with it a bit of unbalanced acidity. The finish is rather short and simple. I have had many a better rose wine than this, though this wine is still easily drinkable and enjoyable on a hot summer's day.

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Always a welcome choice, Sancerre frames the way to two beautiful and affordable Rullys from Vincent Girardin.

• 2006 de Ladoucette Sancerre Comte Lafond 90 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Sancerre

  One of many bottles of this wonderful Sancerre I've had, this wine brings forth a hint of greenness among the typical "cat pee" and bracing acidity, well-balanced with beautiful perfumy florality atop a light and elegant package. The finish only makes you want to drink more, which is always a sign of a good wine. Well done.

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• 2006 Domaine / Maison Vincent Girardin Rully Blanc Vieilles Vignes 87 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte Chalonnaise, Rully

  One small step down from its 1er cru cousin, this Girardin Rully has very approachable softness and quite an elegant and refined palate for a "standard" vieilles vignes Bourgogne blanc. flecks of grassiness occasionally pop out through the light yellow apple and hint (read: not overdone) of oakiness in the nose and palate alike here. Though the finish is cut a bit short, this is a great wine for introduction into the world of white Burg.

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• 2006 Domaine / Maison Vincent Girardin Rully 1er Cru Les Cloux Blanc 89 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte Chalonnaise, Rully 1er Cru

  Tasting this after its little brother (the Vieilles Vignes Girardin Rully), there is a noticable difference. The toasty croissant and light apple/pear notes shine through wonderfully here, and the finish is divine, longer than that of the standard Rully, but again not long or interesting enough to make this wine a blockbuster. Wonderful juice here.

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A rather disappointing Greysac from Bordeaux had me worried; my fears were allayed, however, with the introduction of yet another beautiful bottle of a great go-to CdR from Beaucastel.

• 2004 Château Greysac 83 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc

  Probably the biggest disappointment of the night. The '04 Greysac had a bit of a stemmy piney character on the nose which never really blew off, even after 4-6 hours in a decanter. The palate followed through with this sentiment, bringing unwelcome flavors along with at least some classic bordeaux cedar and (much less than desired) dark brooding fruit. The finish is a bit astringent. Far from being unenjoyable, but this wine lacks the fruit to age and the character to be really well enjoyed now.

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• 2006 Château de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel 90 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

  I've now had three vintages of this stellar CdR rouge - 1998, 2005, and 2006 - all in 2009. The 2006 is old school, and I love it. Garrigue, spice, less imposing jam, and a stellar finish which rolls on seamlessly. This may actually age well for 5-10 years, but is drinking phenomenally now. WOTN for me.

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Good times, good people, good conversation, and good wine. After seeing so many areas of the best wine country in the world, there's still so much mroe to see - Alsace, Loire, Reims (ahh, Champagne!), Sauternes... until next time!