Wines like this make me think that Bordeaux is one the most reliable and best value producer of red wines in the World.
Simple pleasures – Lidl Bordeaux Superieur 2018
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Alain Jaume Les Gélinottes Ventoux 2019
I loved the 2016 vintage of this wine, mostly when it was in its primary state, though (2016 Southern Rhone reds quickly went into a dumb phase in my experience, see also here). The 2019 is good, but not on the same level.
Stéphane Montez Syrah 2018
A Northern Rhone Syrah from an emerging region, Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes. Promising but I’m not fully convinced.
Better drink in its youth – Domaine Des Roches Neuves 2016, Saumur Champigny
At what age does a mid-range Loire Cabernet Franc tastes the best? A more adequate question is perhaps: if great on release, will such a wine offer that enjoyment later or dumb phases are expected, like in the case of Southern Rhone reds?
Give me more – great value Beaujolais Cru, Domaine des Brulets Brouilly 2019
Beaujolais Cru is one of my all time favorites in red wine, there is just nothing like it. And it is often so cheap, as in this case.
Domaine Des Hauts Chassis “Esquisse” 2017, Crozes-Hermitage AOP
Am I alone finding the Northern Rhone reds riper and riper recently? Like this Esquisse 2017 from Domaine Des Hauts Chassis. In my memories the estate’s wines were occasionally a bit green 10-12 years ago, and this represents the other end of the spectrum.
Exemplary Loire Cabernet Franc: Domaine Olivier Cuvée de L’aloulette Bourgueil 2018
I simply can’t get bored of Loire Valley Cabernet Franc, given that it’s well made. My experience from recent years is that the cheaper it is the better made. It rarely disappoints under 12 Euros, but the more expensive ones… I actually stopped buying them.
Muscadet with age – Jo Landron le Fief du Breil 2013
My wine collection is humble, with less than 200 bottles in my two wine fridges perhaps. The wines I tend to forget about are mostly the whites, there are quite some already which I planned to open years ago. If the majority hold as well as this Muscadet, then I should not worry.
Fortified Grenache – Mas Amiel Maury 2015
After this recent Maury Sec, let’s see a classic Maury: a fortified, sweet one. If the wine is just half as good as the design… that label is stunning!
For Grenache lovers – a dry red from Maury, Domaine de l’Arboussa 2015
The more un-fortified Grenaches I try from this traditionally vin doux naturel producing part of France, the more convinced I am that it’s really a special place for the variety. Andrew Jefford is right.