Thursday, March 09, 2017

A sampling of French wines

Just for fun I bought 4 half bottles of French wine at Total Wine ranging in price from $6 to $25.   We're often disappointed with French wines we buy in North America.   We tried a St. Emilion last night that cost $18.  It was good quality and had a complex,  delicate finish.  Circumstances always seem to add to the enjoyment of wine and I'm sure drinking wine in France added to our experience.

The best St. Emilion we've ever had,  and again,   I'm sure circumstances were a part of it,  was on a flight to Montreal when Richard was 9 months old.   Due to some mixup we had been assigned to the "smoking section" (remember those days when planes were full of smoke!) and were quite distressed given Richard's age.   The crew very kindly gave up their two rows of seats at the front saying that they really didn't have time to sit down anyway.   Richard immediately went to sleep on the seats behind us and slept the whole time.   The crew served us the food and wine from First Class and the wine was an amazing St. Emilion that we will never forget.  It had a mustiness that we love but probably not to everyone's taste.

Chateau La Papeterie   Montagne Saint-Emilion   2012


A few reviews..

"Smooth tannic structure and fruity cherry flavors from the Merlot age well in this vintage. Great with lean meat, or soft cheese."

"Dark fruits, smoky with leather, meat and light pepper aromas. Rich and full bodied with a silky mouthfeel and eminently smooth tannins. Excellent balance and a delicious touch of alcohol burn on the very long finish."

"Wonderful rich, ruby red. Balanced. Excellent. I love the Cab Franc that blends with the Merlot for a fantastic Mother's Day wine.