The fourth of four straight months of corporate wine tastings in New York City. What an excellent group of people attended. We could have eaten, drank, and talked all night!
2008 Mas Belles Eaux Rosé (Languedoc-Roussillon) France – blend of 90% Syrah & 10% Mourvèdre grapes“A rich rosé, showing lots of fresh berry and red cherry flavors, with accents of smoke. Very minerally on the spice-filled finish.” Rated 88 – Wine Spectator “The 2008 Rose – Syrah with 10% Mourvèdre – smells of ripe cherries thyme and smoked meat; offers a glossy, medium-bodied, but refreshing palate; and finishes with lasting fruit and subtle herbal and carnal notes. Enjoy it over the coming 6 months. Mas Belles Eaux began life in 2002 when the A.X.A. insurance group (owners of Chateau Pichon Baron, etc.) and their then recently-appointed director Christian Seely brought together two extensive vineyards of chalk-clay and cobbled Villefranchian soils between Pezenas and Caux.” Rated 87 – The Wine Advocate
2005 Mas Belles Eaux (Languedoc) France – blend of 70% Syrah, 20% Grenache & 10% Mourvèdre
“This refined, elegant red from the south of France has an enticing aroma of pepper and sage, with flavors of raspberry, kirsch, red cherry and hints of garrigue. The pure, minerally finish ends on a meaty note.” Rated 91 – Wine Spectator, Smart Buy
2006 Delas Freres Cuvee Francois de Tournon (St Joseph) France – Syrah grape
“Delas’ St.-Joseph Francois de Tournon is usually a brilliant offering, and the 2006 is no exception. A more textured, bigger, richer effort, it possesses a dense purple color as well as notes of crushed stones, black pepper, blackberries, and currants, and stunning concentration, texture, and length. This superb wine should drink well for 10-15 years.” Rated 90 – The Wine Advocate
2007 Domaine Senechaux (Chateauneuf du Pape) France – blend of Grenache, Syrah & Mourvèdre grapes“The fabulous 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape (a blend of 64% Grenache, 19% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault and Vaccarese) boasts a deep plum/ruby/purple color as well as a super expressive perfume that represents the essence of Provence. Fresh bouquet garni, roasted Provencal herbs, licorice, black cherries, and black currant aromas soar from the glass of this full-bodied, incredibly deep, savory wine. Juicy and succulent with terrific acidity, freshness, and length, it is accessible now, and should continue to drink well for 12-15 or more years. Bravo to the Cazes family! This 60+ acre estate was acquired by the Cazes family (proprietors of Chateau Lynch Bages in Pauillac) in late 2006. The new owners’ first complete vintage was 2007, and it is no coincidence it is the finest wine I have ever tasted from Domaine des Senechaux.” Rated 94 – The Wine Advocate