2007 Chateau Haut-Beausejour Saint-Estephe

2007 Chateau Haut-Beauséjour Saint-Estéphe Cru Bourgeois

Mary and I enjoyed this great bottle of wine at Bistro Vendome in Downtown Denver. This is a great example of a good deal for a great red Bordeaux.

The pour is a deep red and a good swirl results in a beautiful bouquet and multiple moderately quick, thin legs. The bouquet is rich and opens with notes of red raspberries, black raspberries, hints of strawberries, and black currants. There is also a hint of sweet apple and sweet strawberry jam. There are also little hints of spices, green tobacco leaf, and a little oak. I really enjoy the elegance of the aromatic profile of this Bordeaux...very smooth and enticing.

The palate opens with light flavors which develop as the wine progresses along the palate. The flavors of the forepalate are red raspberries and red currants. As the wine progresses towards the midpalate, it grows and the simplicity and sophistication of the elegant tannins really shine. There are many flavors on the midpalate, all of the fruits from the nose, just a touch of acidity, and flavors of oak and spices. This Bordeaux is very versatile and can be enjoyed with any number of meals. While there are many flavors present, it is not a mess, its not just a stew of flavors; each flavor is distinct and complements the next flavor.

Rating: 92
Retail: $35


Mary and I enjoyed this great Bordeaux with Foie Gras Pôelée et Fruits,  Escargots de Bourgogne,  Roulade de Porc, Classique Steak Frites, and Classic Vanilla  Crème Brûleé. This wine would be great with almost anything, honestly: red meats, white meats, fish, veggies, hors d'oeuvres, desserts...it's such a balanced wine that it has a little of everything.

2006 Meursault Les Clous

2006 Meursault Les Clous Domaine Bouchard Pére & Fils

This is a fantastic white burgundy...100% Chardonnay. The pour is pale gold, beautiful and enticing, just a touch more yellow than your standard CA Chardonnay.

The nose opens with aromas of green apple and a touch of pineapple acidity. Then there is an aroma of minerality, followed by a note of sweet apple blossoms. The nose is tight and easy to follow, but beautifully constructed.

The palate opens up with flavors of apples and sugar, a light sweetness with a touch of the minerality from the nose. Complex notes of vanilla and nutmeg are present in the midpalate, and definitely caught my attention on many occasions. The mouthfeel is soft and full, and the finish has a nice note of orange zest in the mix of soft apple and pear flavors. I really enjoyed the complexity of this wine, and at the same time the flavors are singular and clear on the palate. The balance of spice, fruit, and minerality make this wine easy to drink.

Rating: 92
Retail: $75
I recently reviewed the 2003 Domaine de la Vougeraie Poligny-Montrachet Grand Vin de Bourgogne (10/3/11), which I gave 94 points, and this Meursault does not quite measure up to that. BUT, this is still a fantastic example of what chardonnay can and should be, none the less.
Mary and I enjoyed this brilliant selection at Wine Experience Cafe and World Cellar (Southlands, Aurora, CO). I loved the complimentary nature of this chardonnay with my halibut and Mary also enjoyed this wine with her roast chicken.

2007 Louis Jadot Chateau des Jacques Moulin-a-Vent

 

This is a really tasty bottle of Gamay from Beaujolais. I was pleasantly surprised to find a wine of this quality for $20. Gamay is a red grape most commonly found in the Beaujolais and Loire Valley regions of France.

The pour is a deep garnet red; a good swirl results in many thin legs. The nose is beautiful and light with aromas of red raspberries and blackberries. This is accompanied by a very floral note of roses, lilies, and a light rain note too.

The flavors on the tongue and palate are very lively and bright. The forepalate is very smooth and simple with flavors of raspberries and blackberries (I like the symmetry from the nose to the palate). The midpalate is brimming with flavors and is very exciting: I get a very nice taste of black cherry and fig flavors mixed seamlessly with a very interesting smokey flavor with a hint of a metallic note as well. The difference from the initial taste to the midpalate is striking and brilliantly done! The finish is long and lingers with a soft leathery note (this sounds odd, but it is really nice and encourages another sip...always a good thing!).

Rating: 90

Retail: $20

I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to spend the extra Hamilton to get something truly different and exciting. I had this wine by itself, but it would accompany any red meat dish or any spiced salad quite well. Already looking forward to the next occasion to have a glass of the Jacques Moulin-a-Vent!

And a belated Happy New Year to everyone! Cheers to 2012!