2008 Stéphane Tissot - Trousseau Singulier

Trousseau is one of the principle red grapes from the Jura region of France (the same region as the last wine I wrote about). The grapes are grown in low-yielding vineyards and winemaker Stéphane Tissot uses a biodynamic process with no chemicals or synthetic pesticides to make this amazing wine.

The pour is lighter red than many people would expect; it almost looks like a Burgundy to me. I think it's beautiful, and the interesting color peaks an interest in the wine drinker.

The nose is bold and beautifully delicious. There was a big kick of black pepper surrounded by bold red fruit, strawberries and raspberries. There is also an aroma of something else, something wet and earthy - all I can think of is hiking in a rainforest and kicking up a little wet dirt on the forest floor.

The palate is where this wine really comes to life. The red fruit from the nose hits the tongue straightaway, followed by some tight tannins that surprise the tongue and give this wine a feeling that its alive. The midpalate is strong with sugary fruit and a really nice acidic note. The finish brings it all together with a bit of the black pepper from the nose, and the aftertaste includes a bit of the wet earthy flavor from the nose. What a brilliantly designed, complex bottle of wine; it will be on my mind in many wine shops in the future.

Retail: $58
Rating: 93