D Tasting Group - October 23, 2009

Cahors, Chateau Haut-Monplaisir 2005
By law, there must be at least 70% of Malbec in the wines from Cahors (South West, 200 kms east of Bordeaux).
Haut-Monplaisir sold its fruit to the negociant until 1998, when Cathy Fournie, the daughter of the owner, stepped in.

Raventos Rosado
This wine adds 15% of Monastrell (Mourvedre in France) to the classic Cava blend of Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo. All estate grown.











Jaboulet, Les Cedres 2005
70% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre
Robust wine. Perfect pairing with venison!

Sunday in New York (October 11, 2009)

One of our favorite wine bars in manhattan

High Line, Manhattan

High Line, Manhattan

Fantastic Middle-Eastern take out in Greenwich Village

Provence white and rose Wine Class (October 13, 2009)

More details about the class: http://www.afsf.com/

2008 Domaine de Brigue, Cotes de Provence *
Domaine de Brigue vineyard was founded in 1970 by Roger Brun on 70 acres in the Le Luc plains between Aix-en-Provence and Cannes. In 1986, Fernand Brun and his wife Martine took over the family business and have be...en since developing the vineyards. T...oday, Domaine de Brigue vineyards extends over 200 acres on the Vieilles Pierres (Old Stones) and Terres Rouges (Red Earth) areas.

The quality of their wines results from the marriage of the grape varieties, terroirs of origin including ideal soil and exceptional Mediterranean climate, as well as state-of-the-art equipment used in the wine making process and vinification.

Brilliant and crystalline color, with a nose full of fresh peaches and wild strawberries including hints of white blossoms and spice. In the mouth, it is just as delightful with flavours of peach and cantaloupe surrounding a bright, dry, mineral acidity.

50% Grenache, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cinsault

2008 Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Blanc
La Bastide Blanche was acquired by a member of the INAO (the French board that governs wine laws and regions), Louis Bronzo, who wanted to raise the world’s awareness of Bandol wines by creating wines that were the... equals of wines from more famous ap...pellations.

Bandol was the holiday hangout of Aldous Huxley and Thomas Mann years before Bridgette Bardot had even heard of St. Tropez.

This Bandol Blanc is both steely and rich, with acidity and minerality riding alongside citrus and more tropical fruit characters. Wonderful with roasted fish or shellfish as well as mild cheeses.

Ugni blanc 32%, Clairette 47%, Bourboulenc 14%, Sauvignon Blanc 7%

2006 Domaine du Bagnol, Cassis Blanc
Blend of marsanne (50%), clairette (35%) and ugni blanc (15%). Cassis is a tiny harbour near Marseille. Fresh, mineral and slightly briny. Ideal with with fish soup, stew and, of course, bouillabaisse!

Home cooking (October 10, 2009)

Languedoc Trip (October 4-10, 2009)

More pictures and texts here: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=575545753&ref=profile#/album.php?aid=130607&id=575545753

Brooklyn, NY: Vinegar Hill House (October 2, 2009)

http://www.vinegarhillhouse.com/

2005 Hautes Terres De Comberousse Roucaillat Blanc

Small domaine run by a Paul Reder who is producing one of the most interesting white wines of the region. This exuberent yet serious white has a distinct profile, driven by the harsh conditions of stony, sparse soil and strong sea breezes from the Mediterranean. The bouquet reveals nuances of white flower and candle wax and is somewhat reminiscent of a dry chenin blanc. Hints of fennel and orange peel keep this white bright and clean. Delicious and unusual.

50% Roussanne, 30% Rolle and 20% Grenache Blanc

Visit of Rebecca Ohayon from the Vigouroux Estates in Cahors (Sept 30)