Chinon Rive Gauche 2006

meohman1

WOW - a really neat French wine for 11 bucks. It can be considered the quintessintial French Wine. Nose is absolutely superb - smells like the best NAPA wines. Mildly tart blackberry with an underlying taste of black sour cherry, some sweet currant, spice, and a tad bit of vanilla, and even a smaller tad bit of earth - just a great nose on this wine. Legs are huge (but it is only 13% alcohol). Air does not change this wine very much (over 2 hours), if at all - it is what is is. This is unfiltered wine - it leaves residue on the stemware rim as you drink - I like that, though. Color is deep red/purple all the way to the edge of the glass. On the palate, magnificent, and rivals some of the best wine I have tasted. I can't say enough about this wine - if you can find it - get it - try it - enjoy it! I've had 2 bottles of this wine (different vintages) the past 5 months, and I get it at a local wine shop here in Luling, LA., and it has been the same both times. Not over the top, which is understandable - as the French can do good wine without blowing you away. Very balanced. I really want to see what someone else thinks of this wine - it may be the steal of the decade! OK, now I've had this wine open well more than 2 hours, and I've consumed it with Mike's Crab Feast - Broiled New England Crab Cakes served over Angel Hair Pasta and topped with a nice cream sauce consisting of Broccoli, Fresh Gulf Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, and Vidalia Onions and a side dish of steamed King Crab Legs and Jonah Crab Claws (done Louisiana Style with the Zatarain's Crab Boil seasoning in the steam water). And of course, we had homemade hot cocktail sauce and a bit of homemade Tartar for my significant other. Superb. The wine went well with this Cajun dinner. NOTE: This wine is UNFILTERED - as such, it will leave residue in your stemware - Be Advised.

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