Domaine des Hauts Chassis Crozes Hermitage 2007

Smoked meat and roses this 100% syrah this is not as earthy as some Crozes Hermitages can be. Very pretty perfumey style with a distinct gameyness. Medium-bodied with a nice finish that is redolent of field flowers with a dash of fennel.

Domaine de la Bergerie Gamay 2008

In Anjou AOC. In Coteaux de Lyon. Violet-colored very tart, light and violets, smoke, ripe cherry and an acidic finish with a sturdy tannic finish.

Les Sarments Vin de Pays 2007

40% Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, with 20% Tannat. 100% stainless steel. Meant to be a fresh wine with the color a violet-hued black. The wine is from southwest France and is a Vin de Pays Comte de Tolosan. Smells juicy and full-bodied. The style is very Spanish to me because of a forward tar and leather nose and plummy, dry fruit in the mouth. The finish has juicy black cherry style and nice backbone.

Domaine Doudet Bourgogne 2007 Le Petit Chemin

Also with dried cranberry on the nose and has a beautiful, long finish and a wide array of flavors including cherry, tar, cassis, clove and lavender. Light bodied and fine. Very enjoyable.

Doudet Naudin Vicomtee Bourgogne 2007

Fragrant dried cranberry and cherry on the nose. There isn't enough presence in the mid-palate and finish to be remarkable. I love their other (higher priced) Nuits St. George, though.

Côté Jardin Côtes du Rhône 2007

Blend of Grenache Blanc 60%, Roussanne 20%, Marsanne 20%. Smells of white peach and gala apple. Full body and tart grapefuity finish. A bit too acidic. I want to like this wine, but misses the mark for me.

Chateau Greysac 2004 Medoc

Bordeaux. Northern Medoc 45% merlot and cabernet sauvignon with a bit of cabernet franc. Garnet colored with a nicely fruited body with fresh raspberry and a leathery finish. The body has good structure and is drinking very well.

Domaine Richou, Chauvigné 2007

Right across the river from Savennieres in Anjou ‘noir’, this area is know for its black slate soil that imparts a minerality that is absolutely fruity, while maintaining a bone-dry acidity. 100% chenin blanc. Fermented almost entirely in stainless steel, but spends some time in old oak. This gives an intense finish that is just incredible.

Chateau L’Ermitage Rouge 2007

50% syrah 30% mouvedre, 20% grenache. Toasty fruited nose from rocky soils and sees about 4 months in used oaks casks. Comes off light and dry has a rich black cherry finish. Very nice.

Domaine Richou, Les 4 Chemins 2008

Cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon blend. Deep garnet red. Harvested from some younger vines. Domaine managed by Didier and Damien Richou. Not certified, but this is farmed organically and hand-harvested. Nice cherry flavor with a dry mineral finish a hint of violet and licorice on the remarkable finish. Richou wines flaunt their purity and depth of fruit. Richou wines are beautifully transparent vis-à-vis their terroir: these are wines of Anjou; even more specifically, wines of Anjou’s schist soil.

Doudet Naudin Marsannay 2007

In the Côtes de Nuits, most northern section of Burgundy. 100% pinot noir. The color is a clear, ruby red with a light, simple flavor. The nose is fresh, tart cherry and raspberry. Nice, but I think I will be hard-pressed to sell amongst other fuller French pinots that I currently have in stock.

Domaine Sallies Sauvignon Blanc 2008

From the Languedoc, southwestern France, between Corbieres and Minervois. Near the Mediterranean. Fresh, bright scent with a hint of rose petal. Unoaked. Decent with an acidic finish. Grapefruit and citrus peel flavors and would be great with a cheese plate or on a longhot summer's day.

Chateau Pey La Tour Bordeaux Supérieur 2006

Vignoble Dourthe, Reserve du Chateau. Like most Bordeaux wines, this is a merlot-cabernet sauvignon blend. The nose is toasty warm with the merlot on the front. It has a rich black cherry color and red cherry flavors. The finish has a little oak and is well- balanced. Should get this wine for the fall.... Oh and did I mention, this is a 2006 a.k.a. the year in-between brilliant 2005 and stunning 2007, it should not be overlooked (though I fear it will be).

Le Nain Violet 2005

Domaine de la Pertuisane. Grenache noir 50%, Syrah, 40% Carignan 10%. 30-50 year-old-vines. Aged 18 mos in French Oak. Very dark rich color. 15% alcohol makes a grippy finish. Full bodied with an apricot-black berry scent. The flavor is rich, but not particluarly smooth.

Cuvée Richette Côtes 2007

From Patrick leSec. 70% syrah, 20% genache with 10% mouvedre. Unfiltered red rhône wine. A little too much alcohol, rough.

Chateau les Rosiers Bordeaux 2005

From Patrick Jolivet. In the far western part of Entre deux Meres. Merlot/cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon blend. Black cherry and rich raisin on the nose. Deep red color and garnet edges. Really tight but ripe. Needs more time in the bottle / decanting could help. Will let you know later!

Domaine Talmard Macon-Chardonnay 2008

Aged in stainless, planted on clay and limestone soils. 100% chardonnay grapes. Nose is gravel, fresh and clean with a hint of pepper(?) Not long finish, but very fresh and lemony.

Domaine Houchart Côtes de Provence 2008

Another fine wine from Famille Quiot, this rose is a grenache, syrah, cinsault, cabernet sauvignon, mouvedre blend (with 5% 'other' grapes). At only $9.99, this wine is fairly dry with a light finish. A summer sipper that has been flying off the shelves! This rosé would be great in a sangria. $9.99

WAY OUT: Trimbach Pinot Gris 2005 Reserve

Rich and sweet with nice acidity. Apples and golden raisins show up at the finish. Brings pinot gris to a new level. I brought this in because I was lacking a French pinot gris in the store, and because it's way out of my comfort zone. This wine would be great with Indian food or a couscous.

Domaine de Servans Côtes du Rhône 2006

95% grenache, 5% syrah. Light and simple cherry flavors balanced well with acidity. Very smooth, rustic finish.