2004 Jacques Puffeney Arbois Poulsard (Arbois AOC, Jura, France) - imported to USA by Rosenthal Wine Merchant, New York, New York - cork closure with bizarre wax cover, 13% - I don't know what the story is with the wax cover, but what a mess to get it off, the wine appears incredibly pale cranberry color, more like I was washing out an empty bottle of zinfandel or something, smell faint dirty socks at first, wines opens up a bit over time to reveal a bit of spice, bit of ash, pointed and prickly, but not a superactive nose, mouthfeel is, wow, smooth as a baby's bottom and something I wasn't expecting from the nose, what integration, taste moves around a lot some sweet, yet tart cranberry, fiery rocks and charcoal, scrumptious mineral, lots of savory characteristics, tastes kind of like a fire without the smoke—not spicy or even hot, just that essence of fire, delicious acid but you don't even notice it as everything is so integrated, I had it with some chunky pate and sheep's milk cheese, perfect match—the wine would go excellently with most sandwiches as well (kept thinking tuna fish), the food and wine very much reminded me of a rustic meal and wine experience I had once in Burgundy (recounted
here) . . . though this wine was far more elegant than rustic, and a versatile fighter, what a fantastic and incredible introduction to Poulsard. Excellent value for the $26 I paid.
