2014 Domaine Grand, Trousseau, Cotes du Jura Rouge, France.
A small estate in Chateau Chalon, Domaine Grand makes artisan lots of white, sparkling, red and Vin Jaune with Emmanuel and Nathalie Grand running the winery and the managing the vines. The young winemakers have studied and traveled extensively in their field, making wines in Chile, Italy, Bordeaux, Champagne, Alsace and Burgundy, but are back running the family estate, that has been producing wine since 1692 in the Jura. Non certified, Domaine Grand is mostly organic and low sulfur with the wines showing great detail and energy, the Cremant du Jura is especially appealing as is their non oxidative Chardonnay, but in particular I was seduced by the Trousseau, both this 2014 and the gorgeous cask sample of 2015 were lovely wines. The Vin Jaune was one of the finest examples of this unique style of almost sherry like wine as well, plus Domaine Grand do a very compelling Poulsard and Pinot Noir as well, but I regress, it is the Trousseau that really got my attention. The 2014 starts with earthy rose petals, strawberry, minty herb and dusty plum with tart cherry, red peach and mixed spices along with moist gravel, mineral tones and cedar. This light medium bodied red has a ruby red color and delicate layers with a satiny texture and pleasing length. A classic example of terroir and varietal the Domaine Grand Trousseau drinks wonderfully fresh and vibrant with enough structure to age, though best from 2016 to 2022, and while this wine imported by Charles Neal is superb, the 2015, which is due late summer is richer, more exotic and sexy with a riper character and should not be missed either. Domaine Grand is a winery to watch, and the wines are expressive and full of quality, fairly priced, in fact they are really great values.
($25 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive