Producer: Couly-Detheil (you might need to select English version). The estate is in Chinon region. The Chinon region has all the qualities of the greatest soils. Its semi-oceanic climate is exceptionaly mild and benefits of long sunny periods. The variety of soils and their particular qualities allows the cabernet-franc (98% of the vineyard) to express all its fineness and its celebrated "taffetas" within a range of strong personalities

Owner: René Couly and been in the family for generations, after being established in 1921.

Wine Composition: 80% Tannat and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon

Review (From the Producer): Pale rose color. Fresh and fruity nose with subtle floral notes. Very fruited palate. Well balanced and easy to drink

Wine pairing (suggested):
Chicken and Ham, red meat, fish and salads. BBQ and Chinese dishes.

My Notes: I was not sure what to make of this (as with so many other wines that I have tried)! It looked like a rose, it had nice summery aromas of fruits and flowers and tasted just like a rose! Day 1, was almost non-descript standard rose. But day 2 was really nice, the wine showed better the next day. Will I buy this again? perhaps, but there are better roses around. 

Cost: $?/bottle

Producer: Chateau d'Aydie (pronounced die-DEE) in Madiran, southwestern France, is in remote territory almost three hours south of Bordeaux - not too far from Spain. The Chateau belongs to the Laplace family and regarded as one most immaculately and professionally run domains in the whole of France (courtsey: Andrew Jefford (The New France))

Owner: The Laplace Family.

Wine Composition: 80% Tannat and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon

Review (Cynthia Hurley):
fearless, rich blackberry and currant expression of the Tannat grape.

Wine pairing (suggested):
White asparagus, slabs of foie gras, duck.

My Notes: Thick, ripe and juicy full mouthed and aromas of really ripe currants and berries, spice. Lovely tannins and after taste. Perhaps it was too warm a night to open this one, but with roasted duck, rosemary potatoes and goat cheese it was a perfect pairing! 

Cost: $14.99/bottle

Producer: The Domaine Brusset is a three-generation owned winery dating back to 1947.   The three different winemakers over these many years produce wines based on the classic southern varietals of Grenache and Mourvèdre grown in the shadow of Mont Ventoux, the mountain that dominates Provencal landscape.  These are grapes that epitomize the region creating rustic, chewy and full-bodied wines showcasing flavors of the area: lavender, rosemary, and thyme, and what is known as garrigue, a catchall term that describes these combination of flavors and earth that finds its way into the wine.  Other wines in the area with fancier names (and bigger entry fees) like Gigondas or Chateauneuf de Pape are known for their heady aromas and powerful garrigue flavors. 

Wine Composition:  (exact not known) Grenache and Mourvedre with Clairette and Carignan

Review (Spirited Gourmet):
The Brusset blends Grenache and Mourvedre with Clairette and Carignan creating an inky purple wine with dizzying spicy aromatics, oodles of black raspberries, cassis, and black truffles.  One would think with all these flavors, the wine would be short on structure, what we call a fruit bomb, but don't forget this wine is French, so it will always have a forthright backbone.  A very versatile wine, enjoy it with all kinds of yummy foods like cassoulet, ribs, epanadas or some Raclette or Morbier cheese..

Review (Kirti): Picked up these and Erskine mentioned that this is a fairly popular wine. I was not sure I remembered why I ordered this. I had no plans to really open this wine, but this evening, I find myself at the loose end of simply chilling out at home. So, why not! This wine fills the nose and brain with really ripe raspberries and earthy spiciness. It is smooth, real smooth ends with being slightly dry side. When I read the description again, yeah…. Earthy truffles and provence spices - lavender, rosemary…. Very very yummy. For the price this wine is simply fantastic buy.

Cost: $10.50/bottle

Producer: Domaine Fleith-Eschard (Ingersheim near Colmar)
Owner: Vincent and Rene Fleith-Eschard

Wine Composition: 100% Riesling

Review (Cynthia Hurley):
This is a dry, delicious, fruit-driven, minerally Alsatian white. This is not a sweet wine and there is no residual sugar left behind in the fermentation. It is a stunning (dry) wine experience

Wine pairing (suggested):
Avocados and scallops come to mind. Lime, garlic, and coriander. Curried, smoked and grilled salmon. Don't forget the asparagus and mushrooms. Pork. Yes, pork with cream and apples. And, of course, duck.

My Notes: Beautiful, clean and clear light yellow (mostly straw) colored wine. Aromas make you feel this may be a tad heavy wine despite the color. Let it sit for about 10-15 mins and you can smell the grapefruits and minerals. Sipping it all the impressions that this may be  heavy and sweet give way to light, dry and citrusy feel. Lucky me have six bottles of these.

Cost: $24.99/bottle

Site by Rene Fleith-Eschard (completely in french)

Producer: Jerome Sordet
Domaine: Coste-Caumartin is located in northern end of Pommard, between Petits Epenots and Beaune’s Clos des Mouches. About 1.83 hectares of Clos des Boucherottes, has belonged to the Sordet family since late eighteenth century.
Notes from Bermans: The wine is especially deep and dark for a red Burgundy with lots of glycerin and concentration. On the palate the wine is voluptuous and creamy with lovely flavors of raspberries, cherries, oriental spices with fine, silty tannins.

Grape/Varietal composition: 100% Pinot Noir.

My notes: I could not wait to try this one, at my previous wine tasting I had the Borgougne from Coste Caumartin (click here and see number 3 in the list) and it was well received by most. Of course at that tasting I was extremely partial to the Chateauneuf, so, I was biased there. For this tasting, I held out tasting all the other four, until we (and the wine) was ready to taste. I jumped at the chance as soon as it was being poured, and god! It was awesome! Very deep red, very solid, very full, had hints of spice, hints of earthiness. Just very very smooth and by god, yummy!

Buy Factor: If I have the spare budget! YEAH!

Cost: $39.99 (reg. $49.99) a bottle.

Producer: Albert Bichot Domaine Long-Depaquit  this is one of several Chateau and Domaines owned by Albert Bichot,
Notes from Bermans: Good Chablis from a top Domaine can be one of the most exquisite Chardonnay/white Burgundy experiences that one can have. The crisp minerality, subtle complexity pure, bracing flavors, that are distinct from each vineyard site, places Chablis' near the top of my white wine preferences. And compared with white Burgundies from further south they are down right bargains. And that's not to mention new world wine chardonnays. Domaine Long- Depaquit is renowned for their vineyard sites and the quality of the Chablis' they produce.

This wine, from the great 2005 vintage, was described by Allen Meadows, "the Burghound" as having, "A classic green fruit and oyster shell nose (which) leads to admirably rich and rather fruity flavors that are naturally sweet and impressively concentrated. This is a big Villages (wine) with solid minerality and plenty of personality."

Grape/Varietal composition: 100% Chardonnay.

My notes: I had tasted this wine before and my notes stay as: Rich dry wines, citrus and mineral fruits along with lime and white blossoms (flowers). Good body, quite lively and fresh. However, showing this wine second over the Gewurtztraminer, did not fair well.  

Buy Factor: Might consider this one as a good dry white with seafood.

Cost: $19.99 a bottle.

Notes from Bermans: Gewürztraminer can yield magnificent wines, as is best demonstrated in Alsace, France, where it is made in to a variety of styles from dry to off-dry to sweet. The grape needs a cool climate that allows it to get ripe. It's a temperamental grape to grow and vinify, as its potent spiciness can be overbearing when unchecked. At its best, it produces a floral and refreshing wine with crisp acidity that pairs well with spicy dishes. When left for late harvest, it's uncommonly rich and complex, a tremendous dessert wine..

Grape/Varietal composition: 100% Gewürztraminer.

My notes: I had not tried it before the wine tasting at my company, it showed tremendously well. It was very smooth, floral and sweet. For me, it is almost the definition of a Gewürztraminer. I could not help comparing it with the Trimbach and Gisselbrecht. Thus far have not been impressed with Trimbach, while Marcel Hugg and Gisselbrecht are comparably great alsace wines. 

Buy Factor: Anytime, absolutely. Of the four for the wine tasting, we opened two, and one was snapped up by my colleague right at the wine tasting. Of course, I am hoarding the last one from the set.

Cost: $19.99 a bottle.

Producer: Henri Ramonteu.
Website: Domaine Cauhape
Notes from the producer: Enchanting, the aroma evokes an aromatic polyphony which resonates with fresh and delicate notes: grapefruit, grapes, peach and spring flowers. It is full, rich and concentrated. Subtle but voluptuous. The finish is long and elegant with incredible lingering fruit flavours.

Grape/Varietal composition: 100% Gros Manseng.

My notes: I opened it, I sniffed it, let it stand for 30 mins and fell in love with it. It is indeed so elegant and bursting with fresh grapefruit and spring flowers. It felt like fresh rain over parched soil wine. Absolutely stunning. I have had the 2003 and 2005 continues to amaze me.

Buy Factor: Anytime, I have had this just myself couple of times, and also shared with fellow wine tasters. It has been widely loved and accepted. Also taken a bottle for my sister.

Cost: $19.99 a bottle.

Producer: Domaine René Bouvier.
Notes: (From the internet! Sorry, forgotten where) The Bouvier family has owned vineyards in the village of Marsannay at the northernmost boundary of the Cote de Nuits for four generations. Over the years, each succeeding generation has added to the holdings that now comprise approximately 12 hectares spread over 15 "lieudits" situated in 6 different villages. The domaine is now managed by Bernard Bouvier, a thoughtful yet dynamic young man in his early thirties who is dedicated to marrying the traditions of Burgundy to the benefits of modern viticulture and vinification.

Grape/Varietal composition: 100% Pinot Noir.

My notes: This was my pick for celebrating the 2005 burgundy! Gosh, I could have picked almost anything from the options provided. 2005 (as they say) has been an incredibly great year for burgundy, bordeaux and others. I did not want to be left out, so I picked up 1/2 a case. Last year I opened this bottle and I was filled with joy at my choice. This is a deep ruby red, smooth (decant it!), well balanced and has loads and loads of strong berry fruits. (read somewhere: red-blue blueberries, raspberries, cherry etc). I loved this one and happy with it.

Buy Factor: I am beginning to like what Rene Bouvier produces. I have no idea where you can get this one as I bought it as a wine future (that is paid for it about six months before it was actually bottled and shipped).

Cost: $22 a bottle (roughly).

Bubbly is really on the menu for me any time! I really don't see the need for an occassion to pop a bottle and see bubbles. It is even more gratifying to see french bubbly! So, we did open another one for the day before New Year. Like I said, why open on New Year's eve, when you can open it now! :)

Producer: Nicolas Feuillate (Give the site time to load, it pretty well done for a winery).

My notes: Perfectly great bubbly with clean taste (floral and fruits).

Buy Factor: Loved it, of course, but I want to compare this to another from Francois Hemart. More about that when I do open the Francois Hemart.

Cost: Don't know, this was a gift.

Producer Information:
         Domaine: Bois de Boursan. 
         Notes: The english version is under construction.
         Jean Versino created this small field in 1955. The wine was vinified at the cellar and then sold to the trader. As the sale of wine increased, it enabled purchases of land with varied orientations, stones, argilo limestone, and sands, making it possible to make the rich and complex wines. Most of the vines are about 40-100 year old and no pesticides are used. Grapes are harvested by hand, pressed and fermented in different wood for about eighteen months.

Grape/Varietal composition: 65% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 5% Other.

My notes: Loved it! A extremely solid smooth red, well balanced between fruit (Plum? Cherry?), herbs and pepper. After I re-read Bermans notes, I don't see the chestnut, but game, beef, and black pepper comes to mind as a pairing when I tasted this wine. Tasting was at Bermans and I am so pleased to have picked the two bottles from this domaine in my collection. 

Bermans tasting notes: A burly style, with lots of braised chestnut, game, black pepper and beef leading the way. There's a solid core of black currant fruit, with a long, structure-driven finish that shows great herb and mineral notes. Best from 2009 through 2022. 3,750 cases made. (Score: 92).

Buy Factor: Absolutely! perfect! Happy to own one! Maybe should plan for another! 

Producer Information (courtsey: Bermans): Chateau Romanin is located in Baux de Provence. More specifically between Saint Remy and Eygalieres, on the northern slope of the Alpilles mountains.Wine making has been going on at this site since at least the 4th century B.C., during the Bronze Age. The terroir was then, and still is, particularly well suited to growing grapes. This is a magical place that you should visit if you are ever in the area. The landscape, the ancient stones, the light and even the air represent something almost mystical and ephemeral.

Grape/Varietal composition: (exact not known) Mourvèdre, Syrah, Sauvignon Cabernet (old vines), Grenache.

My notes: Absolutely, lovely aroma of lavender (simply powerful french lavenders), the herbs almost an aftertaste, but present, very smooth, very velvety to taste. 

Bermans tasting notes: It is dark ruby purple in color and has a complex bouquet of Provencal herbs (garrigue). It is delightfully full and complex on the palate with flavors of delicious red and black fruits and a long velvety aftertaste. The tannins are soft and well integrated which makes it immediately appealing, although the wine will age. It is found on many of the best restaurants in France.

Additional Bermans notes: La Chapelle de Romanin is an all natural (organic) wine. The grapes are entirely hand picked, then sorted, stemmed and lightly crushed before being put into tanks where they are completely crushed under their own weight. After maturing, the wine is aged in large wooded vats (foudres) for six month. Biodynamic winemaking is the method of cultivation chosen so as to develop harmony between the vine and the environment and to bring out all of the natural characteristics of the soil. Use of synthetic chemical products or insecticides is forbidden.

Buy Factor: Absolutely! Just did not buy it as I prefered the  2005 Cotes du Rhone Village-Cairanne-Domaine de l'Ameillaud more, as a side by side comparison.

Producer Information (courtsey: Bermans): Cairanne is one of the best of several Cotes du Rhone villages that produce excellent, full-bodied red wine. It is prototypical Cotes du Rhone with lots of rich, sappy, spicy strength.

Grape/Varietal composition: Coming soon.

My notes: Absolutely, lovely aroma of herbs, fruity jams. Herbs and fruitiness stayed on taste with a little peppery edge towards the end, with the jams continuing. After a bit of swirl and chat with the server, the flavors really bloomed. Loved it! 

Bermans tasting notes: On the palate, it has lots of soft, jammy fruit flavors, excellent concentration, and delicious flavors of Provencal herbs, with pepper and spice in the aftertaste. It tastes great now but will age and develop for a few more years.

Buy Factor: Absolutely! perfect, bought a bottle right on the spot! 

Producer Information: Chateau de Montpatey is a beautiful Burgundian property first constructed in 1513 and it is situated high above the medieval village of Couches, south west of the Cote de Beaune (courtsey: Berman Wines)

Grape/Varietal composition: 100% Chardonnay

My notes: Acidic, young fresh, very chardonnay. A bit too acidic for me. I prefer the Sauvignon blanc grape so much better.

Bermans tasting notes: This is a medium to full bodied wine that is crisp and clean of the palate but is round and not at all sharp. Flavors of butter, pain grille and hazel nuts abound with good extract and a smooth, silky texture.  There is just a subtle touch of wood and the wine resembles more Meursault than Chablis.

Buy Factor: Good, open anytime Chardonnay.

2004 Chateauneuf du Pape-"Cuvee Felix" Bois du Boursan, France
Very solid. This is packed with black currant and fig paste notes pushed by dark, loamy tannins, with notes of grilled herb, iron, black olive, tobacco and mineral. The finish is long and structured. Best from 2009 through 2022. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 455 cases made. (Score: 94)

Grape: 65% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah, 5% Other

Something white, something light and something for a warm sunny day.

This Vouvray was okay, it lacked the yummines (I am sure that is not a wine description), but that was it, it was okay.....

Buy Factor: Not really, even at $10.99, it was not worth.