Two wines from Bordeaux

Château Sainte Barbe Les Arglies 2008

100% Merlot.

 Very unusual color very deep plum with violet rim. Lot of raspberries on the nose and on the palate. For my taste  to much acidity. Dry with some earthiness, medium finish

  Château Pey La Tour 2008  95% Merlot

Deep ruby color, on the nose red berries, cedar, cherries. After a first sip, nose is very parfumy, then coming back again: lot's of oak. Much softer, than first Merlot- more aromas, more flavors, more elegant.

 Interesting, same year, very different wines. Medium body, nice, long round finish. 

First wine is nice Bordeaux, but a little bit unbalanced. Second one is definitely better, and richer in aromas. very good balance.

Frei Brothers Reserve 2008 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Classic Californian Cabernet Sauvignon!
Rich deep ruby color.  On the nose flavors of blackberries, raspberries, oak, tobacco. On the palate lot's of black currant,  little bit of cedar, soft tannins. This wine is better after decanting, needs to breath. Long, round, flavorful finish.
This wine is great by itself, for sipping, as well as good with rich meat dishes.

Monte del Fra Bardolino 2010, Italy

This wine is perfect for parties, pizza, spaghetti with meatballs.
Very light red from Veneto.
Dark cherry color,  aromas of strawberry jam, spices, flowers.
On the palate very lean, fruity,  medium to light body, dry with short finish.

Brut Crémant De Bourgogne 2008

Another great sparkling from Burgundy. Vintage dated. Made by traditional method from Chardonaay and Pinot Noir grapes.
This wine is very complex with biscuit notes, apple, citrus fruits and a little af nutty flavours.  Nice little bubbles, very refreshing, good crispy acidity.

2009 Domaine Piron & Lafont / Piron-Lameloise Chénas Quartz

Dark ruby color. On the nose a lot of flowers, roses, violets, fresh.

On the palate lots of berries, pomegranate, nice balance of tannins and acidity.  Medium body, medium leigth. Very good with food. 

Another great little Beaujolais cru!

Perrin & Fils L'andéol Rasteau 2008, Ac Côtes Du Rhone Villages

A blend of Grenache and Syra. Ruby color, on the nose raspberries, oak, cherries. On the palate berries flavors, little bit of spice, medium body, nice finish.
 Fruity wine will be good with meats, or stewed meats and vegetables.

Jadot Beaujolais Village 2010

Another nice example of Beaujolais.
Color is purple, not very dark. On the nose a lot of strawberries and cherries. On the palate silky, red berries continue bursting their aromas into the mouth, a little spicy.
Very good wine for summer BBQ or enjoy it on a deck with sunset.