o my local group met last night at Fred's place. A different format, Fred has recently started part-time as a rep for a distributor of "natural" wines, and prepared a sampling for us. Most were from south of France, I'm usually more a cool climate guy, but pretty solid lineup. I'm afraid I didn't note which were certified organic or biodynamic.
NV Cousin-Leduc Saumur Brut Lots of foam when poured, but on the palate the pressure/petillance is on the lower side. Just a hint of RS, white pit fruits and a touch of yeast. Pretty tasty. B/B+
2007 Domaine de la Senechaliere "La Boheme" VdT This is melon de Bourgogne. Comes across like a softer styled Muscadet, some chalky notes, white apples, a touch of lemon. Others like more than I, but not bad. B-2007 Ch. K Bergerac I didn't take notes, but think this wasn't a representative sample, seemed tired, Fred said it was a sample that was opened day before.
2007 Estezargues "Grandes Vignes" Cotes du Rhone (100% Cinsault). Red cherry and plum fruit, light tannins, low acids, a little herb. B2007 Estezargues "Gres St. Vincent" Cotes du Rhone Villages Bigger and more "serious", some tannins that could use a little time, slightly jammy berry fruit, some anise-y herbs, good length. A tad too Grenachey for my tastes, but very well done without obvious oak. B
2005 Domaine des 2 Anes Fontanilles (Corbieres) There's some ass in the glass! A bit bretty, I don't mind though. Good length, solid black fruit, good. B/B+2007 Domaine de la Patience VdP du Gard
100% Merlot. Soft, friendly, fruit-forward. Just a touch of celery greenness. I like a little more spine and acidic structure to my Merlot, but a pleasant party quaffer. B/B-2005 Mas Foulaquier "Les Tonillieres" Pic St. Loup Big, a tad tannic, no apparent oak, most expensive red of tasting ($20ish) but just doesn't move me. B-
2007 Rimbert "Les Travers de Marceau" Saint-Chinian Nicely structured, good acidity for Languedoc, moderate smooth tannins. Red and black berries mix with some floral notes and garrigue. My favorite of tasting. B++2006 Cousin-Leduc "Le Cousin" Grolleau Bright, light, funky. Wild herbs, some meaty/smoky notes, good acids. B
+2007 Julien Guillot Bourgogne Apparently from oldest organic vineyard in Burgundy (well, maybe some older vineyards are now organic, but you know what I mean- this has been organic since the 50s). Very light style, tangy cherry and cranberry fruit, higher acids push it even for me. But overall I like. B/B-
Very interesting tasting. Nothing moved me to wonder, but all solid wines (ran the gamut of the Bs! ) and this is from a guy who doesn't drink that much Languedoc or Southern Rhone, which was majority of tasting.
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.