2011 Andre et Michel Quenard, Chignin-Bergeron, Savoie White, France.
Another fantastic wine from Quenard, again this Domaine impresses with the new releases showing beauty, life and interesting layers of flavor. Since bringing Andre and Michel Quenard into the USA, Kermit Lynch Imports is selling out almost as fast as they offer them, showing how the Savoie is a sweet spot niche even here in America, especially for the Savvy whites that are flowing in. Both Kermit and San Francisco Importer Charles Neal have trouble keeping up with demand for the Savoie wines and it is really a bright spot for the white wine market and for those that want something other than Chardonnay or Sauvignon blank these are great wines to explore. This 2011 Chignin-Bergeron is lovely and full of classy flavor and complexity with a seductive and compelling bouquet of citrus flowers, crushed rocks, mineral spice, tangerine and peach pit leading to a palate that has hints of apple, apricot, melon, tropcial citrus and butterscotch all mixing with fresh acidity, round medium body and spiciness. No oak was used here, but the wine feels smooth and rich without being flabby or weighed down, making for a flexible wine. Bergeron is the Savoie name for Roussanne and it has many of same qualities to the more well know Rhone versions, like a tighter Cousin of Hermitage or Chateauneuf Blancs and it should age and develop well, even though it is fresh and ready now.
($25 Est.) 92+ Points, grapelive
