$25 divided by 2

[Florida Jim]

With grilled salmon, garlic couscous, green beans with almonds and salad:

2002 J.P. Brun, Terres Dorees, Beaujolais Blanc:

As George put it, “so this is what Chardonnay smells like.” A clear, ripe fruit nose with some nice mineral tones and a touch of citrus is a fine introduction. The medium bodied, fruit-sweet palate has ripe flavors, a solid backbone of acidity and spot on balance; and this is what Chardonnay tastes like.

A very complete, ready to drink now expression of this grape without manipulation or wood – aside from a few Chablis tasted recently, I can’t think of a better chard.

About $11, delivered.

2002 Bernard Baudry, Chinon Les Granges:

When I first read Jacqueline Friedrich’s description of Chinon, I was captivated. With a motto like, “Drink constantly, never die” how could one not be.

“The tractor salesman shows up. Great! A reason to uncork more bottles. Then another vigneron accompanied by his mason. More vintages. A bowl of rillettes.”

Yep, that’s where/how I want to live.

And her description of the wines: thirst quenching, buoyant, a cross between a juicy Beaujolais and a young claret.

Oh yeah; gimme some.

Over the last several years I have looked for such wines and only occasionally found one approaching those charms. Search over.

This wine is redolent in black cherry and earth aromas (and not even a hint of green). Vibrant, juicy, full in the mouth, deeply flavored, no wood tones or bell pepper flavors; just the stuff to pull out when a friend shows up; lordy, I think I know how Rabelais felt.

Delicious!

About $14, delivered.

Best, Jim

[fifithewinecat]

Jim--

These sound real good. Where did you get them? I checked out the importer, but have gotten no reply from them about where I can get these wines in California. Thanks for the info

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"Wine Makes Everyone Hopeful"--Aristotle or Plato

[KatieLoeb]

Jim:

Great descriptions and wonderful finds! I shall search them out in NJ since PA is difficult at best. I'm really intrigued by Chinon with no hints of bell pepper. Not that I dislike that, but it is often overwhelming in the range of scents in the nose. And yes- isn't nice to know what Chard is supposed to taste like! I love French Chardonnay, Italian Chardonnay, etc., but really dislike most (not all) domestic Chard because it tastes like tongue depressors. Wine should taste like fruit dammit!!!

[Florida Jim]

Jim:

Great descriptions and wonderful finds! I shall search them out in NJ since PA is difficult at best. I'm really intrigued by Chinon with no hints of bell pepper. Not that I dislike that, but it is often overwhelming in the range of scents in the nose. And yes- isn't nice to know what Chard is supposed to taste like! I love French Chardonnay, Italian Chardonnay, etc., but really dislike most (not all) domestic Chard because it tastes like tongue depressors. Wine should taste like fruit dammit!!!

Katie,

I'm not sure about this, but I believe the Chinon is one of, if not the, least expensive bottling from this producer. Assumption; made to be drunk soon.

Do try it and let me know what you think?

Best, Jim