A 100% Chardonnay and a 100% Pinot Noir from Burgundy, France.
Today we have two wines from the Laforet (La-fo-ray) line from Maison Joseph Drouhin, a large estate located in Burgundy that dates back to the late 1800s. The estate not only grows their own grapes, but also act as one of the larger negociants in Burgundy purchasing wine from throughout region. (They even have a vineyard in the Willamette Valley in Oregon.)
The Laforet line of wines that we are reviewing today sources grapes from all the hotspots in Burgundy -- Chablis, Cote d'Or, Maconnais, and Cote Chalonnaise. And while a wine region like Burgundy can be quite confusing, our friends over at Wine Folly do a great job of breaking it down and pointing out the value spots in their Simple Guide to Burgundy Wine (with Maps).
First up is the 2012 Joseph Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Chardonnay. This wine is 100% Chardonnay, has an SRP of $13 and is available for as low as $10. Sample submitted for review. Imported by Dreyfus Ashby.
From the bottle:
"About the Chardonnay, born in Burgundy, we created this wine like a perfume: with the freshness of the Chablisien, the fruitiness of the Maconnais and all the elegance of the Cote d'Or. Within are gentle citrus aromas, then vanilla and honey notes. I love the freshness and spontaneity of the mouth! It is chic and balanced, but doesn't take itself too seriously.
13.0% Alcohol"
The 2012 Joseph Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Chardonnay begins with a pleasant aroma of varied citrus notes along with a touch of tropical fruit. The wine tastes of honey and lemon and has a delightful lively texture with some spicy minerality that shines through on the finish. It's just a tad bit creamy with a touch of vanilla. This is my kind of chardonnay, there's no butter in sight and it's really enjoyable to drink. The finish is of medium-length and crisp.
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 8.0
Highly Recommended
Next up is the 2011 Joseph Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Pinot Noir, which is 100% Pinot Noir, has an SRP around $20 and is available for as low as $12. Sample submitted for review. Imported by Dreyfus Ashby.
From the bottle:
"About the Pinot Noir, born in Burgundy, we created this wine like a perfume: with elegance and fruitiness in the Chalonnais, depth from the Cote d'Or. Within are red fruit aromas: raspberries, redcurrants and blackcurrants. I love the subtle spiciness of the mouth, its soft tannins and silky texture! It's attractive and well-bred, but doesn't take itself too seriously.
12.5% Alcohol"
The 2011 Joseph Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Pinot Noir begins with aromas of mostly red fruit including a little cranberry and just a touch of green. Tasting the wine reveals that it is very easy to drink featuring more fresh red fruit, soft tannins, good balance and good acidity. It is also very smooth with a nice spice component that comes out at the end and leads into the lingering finish. This is one tasty Pinot Noir and a steal for under $15!
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 7.8
