Chateauneuf du Pape video clip on YouTube.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=share&v=f6yPH_mytcY&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Df6yPH_mytcY%26feature%3Dshare

This is a very nice 4 minute summary of the grapes and the terroir. Well worth watching if one wishes to understand a bit about this AOC.

Valentine's Day Wine

So this was a celebration evening at our favorite American French bistro. Decided to start with a Champagne Louis de Sacy Rose NV which went with the amuse and the first couple courses. Followed that with the "special wine." Although it is 11 years old there was minimal color separation and the wine was a nice, brilliant medium ruby. The initial aromas were spicy red fruit and a hint of toasty oak. With time the tertiary aromas of mushroom and forest floor evolved. Nice polished tannin background. Tasted again this morning and there was further development of the tertiary aromas. Province is that this came directly from the Latour cellars last year. 

I probably should have had them decant this last night to get its full impact at dinner. 

Kudos to a la Maison on a great special meal. Great food, perfect presentation. Menu is still up on their web site. 

www.alamaisonbistro.com

Try this.

Le Millésime

1 Rue Traversière, Chambolle-Musigny

+33 3 80 62 80 37

Roussillon

Utterly perfect

Domaine la Garrigue

Lunch at les Florets with the family's wines. Rose today, and unfortunately it is not imported. Vibrant pink. Nose of raspberries and strawberries. Perfect balance, with acidity to match the meal. Look at the legs in the photo. Next stop will be the domaine to taste through a flight. 

This evening's flight

Great way to start Bordeaux- Le Wine Bar 19 Rue de Bahutiers, www.lewinebar-bordeaux.com

The point here is that the format allowed a really neat flight of wines to be assembled. If one looks at the bottle list it is extensive. The by the glass list covers the range nicely with some typical examples. 

The owner and staff are involved. The place is just plain fun, with nice food and great wines. Recently had an excellent write up in wine spectator. We absolutely will return. 

Burgundy Night at Farmer and Fisherman

This is what happens when one shops wisely and cellars well. Fabulous older wines; the Chassagne Montrachet is fully mature, caramel colored, and with fabulous tertiary aromas and flavors. Another spot where a buy and hold strategy delivers rewards. Thank you Dick and Doranne.