Clear, deep plum red. Medium-intensity nose of plums, cherries, a little raisin, molasses and smoke. Somewhat thin on the palate with simple acidic raspberry, blackcurrant and general red-berry flavours. Will last several more years, but may not improve much.
Château Peyros Vieilles Vines is an 80/20 blend of Tannat/Cabernet Franc from Sud-Ouest France's Madiran. Peyros, the southernmost property of Madiran, takes its name from the Gascony word for “rocky location.” Dusky cassis, earthy violets, dark blue plums, anise, scrubby herbs and medicinal black cherry are lackadaisically drawn across ample, grippy tannins. Floral black raspberry lingers on the finish. This has some ways to go to resolve. Decant now and serve with lamb shank, or wait 3+ years.
Crunchy, juicy and joyful, this is a quaffable Cabernet Franc from one of Pays Nantais' top Muscadet producers. With granitic slope-sourced grapes, this spends 5 months in stainless steel. Youthful raspberry, cool cherry are seasoned with white pepper, young cedar whiffs and herbal scrub which textures the palate. Tannins have a supple, sappy tug, but otherwise remain in the background. This is all about juicy, quaffable, delish, light-bodied, morish Franc to drink now.
Dark ruby. Sweet, ripe red and black berries, vanilla-scented oak. In the mouth, the intense red fruits taste hides the tingling acidity in a softly textured mid-palate. Delicious right now, so no reason to wait.
This blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon offers punch for its price. Dark cherry, plum, cassis, raspberry, cocoa, anise, purple flower and herbs are present as well as pinpoint tannins. Braised lamb shanks or steak tartare would be brilliant accompaniments. Drink until 2019.
Domaine de Pellehaut has been owned and managed by successive generations of the Béraut family for over 300 years. Pouring a pale blush peach, this rosé from Côtes de Gascogne is a juicy little blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat and Syrah, averaging 27 years old and grown on clay, limestone and sand. Aromatic, youthful orchard fruits on the nose lead to a bright palate of Rainier cherry, pear, red currants and early strawberries. Fine spice lingers on the finish. This is a charming, easy-to-enjoy rosé for drinking now.
A mature Beaujolais. Ruby-coloured with a minerally, cherry nose and a light oak note; medium-bodied, dry, firmly structured with an earthy note.