2013 Madeleine “Maddie” Vin de Table Red, California.
Damien Georis’s Madeleine label makes some wonderful and flavorful wines including Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Pinot Blanc, plus this red blend Maddie a cuvee of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon done with a nod to the Loire Valley. The French, and Bordeaux trained, Georis also makes the namesake wines of Georis Winery in Carmel Valley, owned by Belgian Walter Georis, the famous Carmel restauranteur. Madeleine is made at Georis Winery, but is very much Damien’s own baby and are unique wines that are part of a new generation of Carmel Valley and Monterey wines. I have long been a fan of Madeleine, but this was my first chance to try the Maddie red and I was excited by what I found, this is a great little wine and a real value, it is full flavored and lush with mostly Cabernet Franc character and nice verve and focus. The Maddie 2013 starts with a dark garnet hue, a pretty nose of red fruits, spice and floral tones that leads to a medium full bodied palate of black cherry, dried currant, plum and raspberry fruits with subtle pepper, black olive and cedar notes along with a bit of chalky/stones, dusty tannins and a lift of acidity. The soft texture coats the mouth and light herbal notes, tobacco and cinnamon come up in the background, but the finish is lush and lingers with loads of fruit sweetness, making for a very pleasing experience. This wine should develop a more subtle nuance over the next year or so, maybe even gathering a austere side with time, but most people will adore it’s youthful forwardness and charm, drink from 2015 to 2020.
($17 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive