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 2021 $49.99
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. Juliette Avril, Chateauneuf du Pape, Rhone Valley, FR 2021 $39.99
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. Juliette Avril CDP is produced from 60% Grenache/40% Syrah. This wine, aged in oak foudres for 12 months, 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 6 years....but no need to wait if you want to decant and drink now!
