French Connection - April 20, 12-5pm
What: Cheveau Macon-Solutre-Pouilly "Sur Le Mont" $30
Where: Maconais, Burgundy
Grapes: Chardonnay
The cellars of the Domaine Cheveau are situated in the hamlet of Solutré-Pouilly in the heart of the appellation of Pouilly-Fuissé. The domaine was established by André Cheveau in 1950. His efforts were followed by his son, Michel, and now Michel’s two sons, Nicolas and Julien are actively running this fourteen (14) hectare estate. All harvesting at the Domaine Cheveau is done by hand and the wines are fermented and vinified parcel-by-parcel. A vibrant, precise wine with excellent minerality and length, the élevage is done in stainless steel with lees contact for eight months prior to bottling.
What: 2022 Janvier Jasnieres "Cuvee du Silex $30
Where: Jasnieres, Loire Valley
Grapes: Chenin Blanc
Kermit Lynch, the renown wine importer, shares the following note:"If you don’t know the appellation of Jasnières, get to know it through the wines of this talented vigneron. Jasnières will never be mainstream. It hails from a tiny, stony hillside along the Loir River (a tributary of the Loire River), north of Vouvray, and the grape grown for his whites is the Pineau de la Loire, otherwise known as Chenin Blanc. Here you will find a different minerality (crushed flintstone?) than his other cuvées, and the fruit is more intense. Notice the crystalline texture, the lemony tang against the sweet, ripe Mirabelle fruit, the firm structure and endless aftertaste. What a talent; what a terroir! Please hide away a few bottles. I predict a masterpiece in about ten years."
What: 2021 Leydier Vin de Pays Vaucluse $18
Where: Vaucluse, Southern France
Grapes: 55% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Merlot, 10% Marselan
Treat this smooth, juicy red as you would a Côtes du Rhône. After all, the grapes — mostly Grenache and Syrah — come from the heart of the southern Rhône. The soft, juicy fruit and bright acidity lead to a long, dry finish with very supple tannin. At this price, it is quite likely that this wine will become your go-to red for barbecues and leisurely summer evenings with friends.
What: 2015 Chateau La Garde Pessac-Leognan $35
Where: Graves, Bordeaux
Grapes: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot
Deeply intense, almost black and purple-tinged appearance, offering a complex, intense nose exuding roasted, smoky notes. Supple on the attack, the wine rapidly develops generous mouthful defined by lovely, expressive fruit, concentration and depth, underscored by delicate tannic structure; very smooth, despite the intensity. The appealing harmony is echoed in the long, flavorsome finish.
Where: Maconais, Burgundy
Grapes: Chardonnay
The cellars of the Domaine Cheveau are situated in the hamlet of Solutré-Pouilly in the heart of the appellation of Pouilly-Fuissé. The domaine was established by André Cheveau in 1950. His efforts were followed by his son, Michel, and now Michel’s two sons, Nicolas and Julien are actively running this fourteen (14) hectare estate. All harvesting at the Domaine Cheveau is done by hand and the wines are fermented and vinified parcel-by-parcel. A vibrant, precise wine with excellent minerality and length, the élevage is done in stainless steel with lees contact for eight months prior to bottling.
What: 2022 Janvier Jasnieres "Cuvee du Silex $30
Where: Jasnieres, Loire Valley
Grapes: Chenin Blanc
Kermit Lynch, the renown wine importer, shares the following note:"If you don’t know the appellation of Jasnières, get to know it through the wines of this talented vigneron. Jasnières will never be mainstream. It hails from a tiny, stony hillside along the Loir River (a tributary of the Loire River), north of Vouvray, and the grape grown for his whites is the Pineau de la Loire, otherwise known as Chenin Blanc. Here you will find a different minerality (crushed flintstone?) than his other cuvées, and the fruit is more intense. Notice the crystalline texture, the lemony tang against the sweet, ripe Mirabelle fruit, the firm structure and endless aftertaste. What a talent; what a terroir! Please hide away a few bottles. I predict a masterpiece in about ten years."
What: 2021 Leydier Vin de Pays Vaucluse $18
Where: Vaucluse, Southern France
Grapes: 55% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Merlot, 10% Marselan
Treat this smooth, juicy red as you would a Côtes du Rhône. After all, the grapes — mostly Grenache and Syrah — come from the heart of the southern Rhône. The soft, juicy fruit and bright acidity lead to a long, dry finish with very supple tannin. At this price, it is quite likely that this wine will become your go-to red for barbecues and leisurely summer evenings with friends.
What: 2015 Chateau La Garde Pessac-Leognan $35
Where: Graves, Bordeaux
Grapes: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot
Deeply intense, almost black and purple-tinged appearance, offering a complex, intense nose exuding roasted, smoky notes. Supple on the attack, the wine rapidly develops generous mouthful defined by lovely, expressive fruit, concentration and depth, underscored by delicate tannic structure; very smooth, despite the intensity. The appealing harmony is echoed in the long, flavorsome finish.