Michael Powers
Michael Powers
I have only recently taken to exploring more Loire valley reds, though I have always enjoyed the few I have had. This past weekend I was very happy with an excellent value Bourgueil. This week, however, I was rather disappointed with a Chinon that I have often seen in the local market and was curious to try.
2008 Domaine Guion Bourguiel Cuvee Domaine - what an excellent little wine! Juicy blackish red fruit, graphite, tobacco, and a light hint of green. This seems terribly unique and interesting for the price. It rides on perfect acid balance. I could drink this very often and with a range of foods. Chambers has this on closeout right now for $10 to make room for the 2009.
2007 Pensees de Pallus Chinon - This on the other hand... I have often seen this available in my local market and been curious to try it. In fact, its price point tends to be fairly high for the category and I had high hopes. But when I tried it I found it anything but exciting. All the right elements seemed to be there but it seemed too ripe, more reminiscent of a CA cab franc I have had recently. But more there seems a slightly polished quality that I dislike. Maybe more time would help, but for me this is not so good.
So with these two recent samples in mind I will continue my exploration. I have several on deck and I purchased a case of the Guion because, at $9 with the case discount, I will be quite happy to drink these over the next couple of years. I suppose that next I should explore the regions other red wines, and I have also been delving into Chenins. The former are non-existant in my local market so that adds to the difficulty, but the latter seems pretty available. But overall I am really enjoying the study.
2008 Domaine Guion Bourguiel Cuvee Domaine - what an excellent little wine! Juicy blackish red fruit, graphite, tobacco, and a light hint of green. This seems terribly unique and interesting for the price. It rides on perfect acid balance. I could drink this very often and with a range of foods. Chambers has this on closeout right now for $10 to make room for the 2009.
2007 Pensees de Pallus Chinon - This on the other hand... I have often seen this available in my local market and been curious to try it. In fact, its price point tends to be fairly high for the category and I had high hopes. But when I tried it I found it anything but exciting. All the right elements seemed to be there but it seemed too ripe, more reminiscent of a CA cab franc I have had recently. But more there seems a slightly polished quality that I dislike. Maybe more time would help, but for me this is not so good.
So with these two recent samples in mind I will continue my exploration. I have several on deck and I purchased a case of the Guion because, at $9 with the case discount, I will be quite happy to drink these over the next couple of years. I suppose that next I should explore the regions other red wines, and I have also been delving into Chenins. The former are non-existant in my local market so that adds to the difficulty, but the latter seems pretty available. But overall I am really enjoying the study.