So Dale gets to write about Fronsac. In the interest of similar names two nights ago at a marvelous Pizza place in Toulouse (Grand Pizzaria nothing fancy but good pizza)we decided to try the local AOC a 2011 Chateau Coutinel "Elixir" Fronton AOC. Color deep purple. Nose I felt indistinct. The wine itself was very acidic almost sour but did settle down. For a euro less I could have had a decent but generic Chianti but we did that two nights before and since this was our last night in France our sense of adventure guided the decision. All in all not bad but veering toward a C+ on Dale's scale. I would drink it at a party if food were available but I wouldn't go out of my way.
Other notable wines from the trip forth coming when Ian Hoare sends me the details. Needless to say two nights included some fine wines a Ch Palmer and a Bourgogne from 1990 that was fresh and smooth, but I neglected to get the bottle info . . . :(
And for the record Ian's sous vide Magret du Canard was absolutely divine.