2005 Ch. Miraval Coteaux Varois en Provence

From the Rolle grape, this wine could be passing its prime. Fading citrus hints with round floral notes. Much better last summer, but not a big seller at BONDA. I think there are two bottles left, which I will mostly take off the list.

2003 Pompois Anjou

Another red that has been sitting around to try for BONDA. Here is my review for the list:

From Anjou, France, this solid Cab Franc features old vines and soil on the nose, with dusty subtle fruit on the palate and a touch of sweetness.

2003 Nicolas Reau Garance

This is a great red that has been sitting around for a few weeks that I needed to try for the restaurant. Here is my review for the wine list: From Chinon, France, this Syrah blend features a spicy nose, with notes potting soil and blackberries. Following on the tongue with roasted peppers, muted fruit and soapstone dryness and hints of Ribeye grizzle. Awesome example of French terrior.

02.09.08 / Bachelor Party Wines at Joseph's

Descriptions to follow. The winner of the night was the Two Hands by far! Another big Shiraz that gets great reviews that I have been avoiding, but Jamie bought and brought it - and it was delicious!

2005 Dom. Tempier Bandol

In the 2002 vintage, the distributor could not give this wine away. This year, we were alotted 4 bottles, because they f*cked up ordering the 2004 vintage. Anyway, Dom. Tempier has always been a favorite of mine. Their single vineyard Mouvedre, Cincault blends are always amazing, but take forever to open.

I popped the cork at 8 pm, and it was tight, tight, tight. At 9:33, after a 15 minute trip home from BONDA, some fruit has developed, but I am beginning to think it is still too young.

Big alcohol and spice on the nose, with hints of currants and cough drops following on the tongue. HUGE tannins, lingering finish.

If you can find some, put it away til 2010 at least!

02.07.08 / 2004 Dom. Des Champs Vignons Chinon

I went into NYC for three meetings yesterday and took the train back to Westport to see Jamie @ BONDA. I had a very finite time, as Courtenay was on her way to pick me up, so I opened one of the wines I bought from Mackin, the 2004 Dom. Des Champs Vignons Chinon. A village level Chinon that was posted and he was looking to unload for a great price.

We had it as the 12th wine or in the tasting, and both agreed that it was a powerful, yet elegant wine. Below is my write up for the wine list. We are selling it by the glass at $9 a pop.

From Chinon, France this wines is stinky on the nose and mellow on the palate. Featuring whafts of charcoal, soil and leather, muted fruit with medium tannins, and a lingering finish. For those who like a real vigneron produced wine of the earth. Great pair with Bacon!