2006 Domaine de Roally Viré-Clessé Tradition
I had a glass of this and while not showing quite as gloriously as a recent bottle, this has really morphed into an interesting wine. I really have a soft spot for this chardonnay and the other wines of the vigneron Gautier Thévenet. He is doing superb work carrying on a noble tradition of excellence.
2004 Clos Rougeard (Foucault) Saumur-Champigny
This is the “Clos” or basic bottling, whatever that means in the context of Clos Rougeard. I think this is from vineyards around the cave that are not Bourg. Of course this is way too young, but I don’t remember how the Clos tasted and wanted to give it a shot. I was surprised with how enjoyable it was. While it will certainly be more expressive and dramatic with some time, I was glad to have caught it in an exuberantly youthful stage. What was so striking about it was the incredible coolness of the flavors and the impeccable balance. I bought this off my brothers list at Rue Cler, where it is something like $59. A very fair price for a Rougeard wine, I think. It paired superbly with the brisket on the prix fixe.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Had the '05 Roally with friends in Dallas recently - it was opened with several other nice whites and I found myself coming back to the Roally time and again.
I know they are meant to be aged but they taste so good young.
Best, Jim
Yours is the second favorable report I've heard this week on the 2004 Clos. Unfortunately I own almost no 2004 Rougeard, save for some Bourg (which is obligatory - duh).
But financial hardship be damned: every time I open a bottle of the Foucaults' I wonder why I buy 9/10 of the other wines that I do.
slaton's referring to me; I opened a bottle of the 2004 Clos Rougeard today. Still more than a glass left, but...
My experience echoes yours: "...I was surprised with how enjoyable it was... What was so striking about it was the incredible coolness of the flavors and the impeccable balance."
Jim-
The Roally is just great. Hits a sweet spot for me, for some reason. Opened a bottle last night to have a glass of wine. By itself! I don't remember the last time I did that. I'll finish it tonight with some fish.
Slaton & Jack-
I think the 2004s form top producers of Chinon/Bourgueil/Saumur are so well balanced that they are showing great now.
The 2004 Chinons Domaine and Grezeaux from Baudry are both outstanding right now as well.
I buy a decent bit of Foucault every year, but it is about 1/2 to 1/3 of what I buy from Baudry, for less money.
Post a Comment