For our Premium French Reds set, we went with wines from 2 of the very best regions to make red wine in this leading nation of viticulture. We chose a fantastic "Left Bank" Bordeaux and that king of the Southern Rhone, Chateauneuf du Pape.
1. Chateau Lalande, Saint-Julien Bordeaux Rouge 2019 $35.99
Appellation Saint-Julien Contolee is one of the principal wine sub regions of Bordeaux. Located on the "Left Bank" of the Gironde Estuary in SW France, wines from this famed area are more heavily weighted towards Cabernet Sauvignon, vs "Right Bank" wines would have more Merlot. This particular wine, made by the Meffre family, is made of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon/45% Merlot. The wine is aged in French oak (35% new) for 12 months, and is a very well structured and vibrant red. Showing lots of blackcurrant, dark berry and plummy fruit qualities, accented by a touch of smoke and vanilla, the wine is still in its youth and promises to get even better with a 3-5 more years in the cellar.
2. Famille Perrin "Les Sinards" Chateauneuf du Pape, Rhone Valley, FR 2018 $44.99
Chateauneuf du Pape is an ideal red for BIG red blend lovers. Made in the Southern Rhone Valley, wines from this region are almost always blends, and the top 3 grapes used are Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, which is what this stellar wine from Famille Perrin is produced from. Perrin is one of the leading organic wine growers in the Southern Rhone, and their firm belief in the guiding forces of nature and tradition keeps their vineyards healthy and their wines exceptional. This wine, aged in oak foudres for 2 years, shows an abundance of red and black fruits, with notes of baking spices and dark chocolate. Vibrant and firm, the wine can easily age well for another 10 years....but no need to wait if you want to decant and drink now!
