Tag Archives: France

Domaine Faiveley Échezeaux Grand Cru 2012

The 2012 Burgundy vintage continues to provide very enjoyable wines that have sufficient fruit and charm to be approached now. From Domaine Faiveley, the 2012 Échezeaux grand cru has ethereal aromatics of cherry, blackcurrant and undergrowth befitting of this esteemed appellation. The palate is also delicious, with firm tannins and good length suggesting a long […]

Paul Blanck Schlossberg Grand Cru Alsace Riesling 2011

Schlossberg is an 80 hectare grand cru in Alsace that is situated eight kilometres from Colmar, overlooking the Weiss Valley.  The Vins Alsace website actually has a lot of further information, including some very cool interactive maps that highlight the region’s stunning beauty.  You can find it here.  This wine from Paul Blanck is a very […]

Château du Cèdre Héritage Cahors Malbec 2015

This is a good malbec from Cahors in south western France.  Less deeply coloured and fruity than its equivalents in Argentina, it has restrained aromas of red berries, earth, herbs and oak.  The palate is earthy and savoury, with liquorice overtones.  Some mid weight tannins and good length complete the picture.  This wine can be […]

Triennes Rosé IGP Méditérranée 2017

The number and variety of Provençal rosés available in Australia seems to be increasing.  This is the best I have tried recently.  A blend of cinsault, grenache, syrah and merlot, it is from the Méditérranée  IGP region, which includes the Provence wine region in southern France.  The label was founded by some serious names, the founder […]

Artea Alpes de Haute Provence Rosé 2016

This Provençal rose (from the Alpes de Haute Provence IGP in France) is so pale it almost resembles a white wine in colour.  Grape varieties are not specified.  However, this region is known for grenache, syrah and cinsault blends, so this is presumed.  Its aromatics remind of gentle florals.  The palate is flavoursome with nectarine […]

Domaine Gayda Figure Libre Freestyle Vin de Pays d’Oc 2015

The picture shows the 2016 vintage.  The 2015 vintage is reviewed here. This is another interesting Vin de Pays d’Oc from the south of France.  Organically grown, it is a blend of 40% syrah, 40% grenache, 10% carignan and 10% mourvèdre sourced variously from Roussillon, Corbières and La Livinière and is a deep purple in […]

François Chidaine Touraine Sauvignon 2015

I wasn’t entirely convinced by this sauvignon blanc from François Chidaine in Touraine. It opens to a typically sauvignon blanc tropical aroma, but overlaid with a green streak. The palate is medium bodied with a bitter edge.  Neither Sancerre, nor NZ in styling, it presented as an amalgam of the two.  Rating: Acceptable to Good. […]

Pascal Marchand-Tawse Bourgogne Rouge 2015

This is a very moreish Bourgogne from Pascal Marchand. From the highly regarded 2015 vintage, it is a good example of a Bourgogne rouge, if expensive. In the glass, it is faintly meaty, with raspberry notes. The palate is fleshy, medium bodied and with enough flavour and acidity to both resolutely signal Burgundy and interest. […]