French wines are all about diversity, with each region manifesting its distinct Terroir, that unique blend of soil, grape climate and tradition. This Saturday we’ll be taste touring some of those regions with some favorites from our racks. Each is a good representation of its region. And while there are no big names here, each wine drinks much better than its price. Viva la France!
 
2010 Chateau la Mouliniere Bordeaux Blanc $11
80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon
Built in the late 16th Century, Chateau La Mouliniere is a beautiful single-estate vineyard located on the right bank of the Dordogne River near Saint-Emilion. This dry white is soft and lush, with notes of melon, citrus and a hint of grass, good acidity and minerality balance out the fruit.
 
2010 Château de Domazan Côtes du Rhône $12
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre.
Château de Domazan was built in the 14th century in the middle of a vineyard. More recently it was purchased by the Burgundy négociant Mommessin who was branching out into the Rhône. The 2010 is a smooth and full fruited Côtes du Rhône with nice floral aromas and a spicy touch.
 
2009 Château Cadillac, Cuvee Lesgourgues, Bordeaux Superieur $19
70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Château Cadillac was built in the 13th century. The Cuvee Lesgourgues comes from older vines that grow on the highest areas around the chateau. The wine always drinks much better than its price. The 2009 is aged with a good percent of new oak, but has enough fruit to stand up to it. The wine shows great fresh black currant fruits, dark plum skins and sweet tannins. It is great Bordeaux with a lot of structure that tastes good now and will get better with age.
 
2006 Château Peyros Madiran $14
60% Tannat, 40% Cabernet Franc
In the foothills of the Pyrenees, Chateau Peyros makes their Madiran using sustainable agricultural practices and modern winemaking techniques. It was the winner of a recent brown bag tasting of different Tannat wines. It also got 92pts and a Best Buy nod from Wine Enthusiast. “A powerful expression of intense terrior. Very Concentrated and dense, with the tannins just beginning to soften, the wine is packed with black ripe fruits, solid and chunky.”