WTN: Four notes

2005 Tribut, Chablis Côte de Léchet:
Thrilling wine that has developed considerably since release; lemon drop, flint, slightly honeyed nose with floral accents – expansive and penetrating; dense in the mouth but not heavy with bright flavors that echo the nose, superb concentration, precise balance, round textures and great length. This wine retains its Chablis-ness and its vineyard stamp of elegance but amps up its aromas and flavors. All at a cost of $26; what a steal!

2002 Jacky Janodet (Dom. Les Fines Graves), Moulin à Vent:
It seems that many of the 2002 cru Beaujolais are closed now and this follows that trend; less of everything on the nose and palate from its showing on release but still well balanced and decent length. ‘Needs cellaring.

2004 Tissot, Chardonnay Arbois:
An interesting contrast to the Chablis noted above - this has a musky edge to it with earthier tones to the fruit; still its deep, concentrated, beautifully textured, has excellent structure and plenty of length. Is slightly plusher than the Chablis yet the balance is spot-on and the overall impression is one of elegance. A fine wine and a bargain at $23.

2004 Descendientes de J. Palacios, Bierzo Pétalos:
Smells like CA cabernet franc with a little dirt thrown in, a hint of smoked bacon and a little (too much for me) sweet oak; much the same in the mouth with a hint of chocolate and tea; evident tannin; medium length, somewhat drying finish. A bit too ‘made’ for me but not devoid of terroir and better with food. $16.

Best, Jim

[Robin Garr]

Bierzo Pétalos:

Seems like I'm seeing more and more of this around, Jim. An increasingly trendy region? Or just the Palacios name on the wine?

Bierzo Pétalos:

Seems like I'm seeing more and more of this around, Jim. An increasingly trendy region? Or just the Palacios name on the wine?

From scanty reading on the area I learn that, while a pretty old culture of wine exists there, it has only recently been 'discovered' and that Palacios is a firm owned by the Rojano family who also own, among others, L'Emrita in Priorat. They are but one of several well-monied producers that have recently come the area.
Unfortunately, what I have found from my admittedly limited tastings of the wines (mostly a grape called mencia) is that they oak the high-dollar cuvees to death, so I am better off at the entry level cheapies.
And although I am told by folks who would know, that mencia is not related to cabernet franc, it sure does taste alot like it.
Best, Jim

I think that Bierzo would make a good Open Mike subject but not sure what is really out there. I will do some research!

I think that Bierzo would make a good Open Mike subject but not sure what is really out there. I will do some research!

Bob,
Am I remembering right?
Didn't you do a fairly comprehensive tasting of wines from Bierzo in the not too distant past?
If so, maybe you could replay a little of that here; at least the conclusions.
Best, Jim

Hi Jim.

Just did a search and found 115 references!! Many comments on Bierzo and I seem to have played a somewhat minor role (grin wink). No Open Mike as far as I can tell.
You do have an excellent memory!

2005 Tribut, Chablis Côte de Léchet:
Thrilling wine that has developed considerably since release; lemon drop, flint, slightly honeyed nose with floral accents – expansive and penetrating; dense in the mouth but not heavy with bright flavors that echo the nose, superb concentration, precise balance, round textures and great length. This wine retains its Chablis-ness and its vineyard stamp of elegance but amps up its aromas and flavors. All at a cost of $26; what a steal!

Jim, thanks for this note. One of my favorite wines of the last 4 months or so was the 2006 Tribut Chablis Beauroy. I clearly need to look for some other offerings from them--starting perhaps with this '05.

-Michael

You do have an excellent memory!

My wife will tell you that it is only when it comes to wine . . . and she'd be right.
Best, Jim