Thursday, March 26, 2009

More from the Wine Library: Beaujolais and Jurancon

I picked up more than a Wine by Joe Pinot during my stop at New Jersey's Wine Library, experimenting once again and foisting upon some friends a wine they wouldn't usually think to buy. Tonight's victims, our New Jersey hosts...and the wine, a Beaujolais...

The 2005 Michel Tete Julienas Domaine du Clos du Fief Cuvee Prestige was a terrific
example of how Beaujolais can be so much more than a picnic lunch wine. Fresh hazelnuts over strawberries and cherry candy, some damp earth, flinty and violet notes as well. A palate of soft, silky, tannins frame earthy, dry strawberries...a nice long finish, this wine may benefit from some cellaring, but absolutely gorgeous today. (Lyle raves here)
cork. 13% alcohol
Score: 17.5/20
Price: US$22.99 (Wine Library)

Seat me at one of the world's finest restaurants and show me the dessert menu and I will politely pass, opting for the wine menu instead. Unfortunately most dessert wines are dearly priced, but I have found some nice values in the South West France appellation of Jurançon. The 2004 Domaine Bellegarde Jurançon Cuvee Thibault was a perfect end to our meal...simple notes of toasty creme caramel, perfume and green melon introduce a palate that is both "soft" and "tight" at the same time - all marmaladey, minerally and delicious. A tremendous value...
cork. 500ml. 13.5% alcohol
Score: 16/20

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