2010 Denis Jamain, Reuilly Rouge, Les Chenes de Mon Grand Pere, Loire Valley, France.
I poured this wine yesterday to a tough crowd, and it turned a few heads, I must say I thought it was stylish and lovely with great detail and charm, and it was the first time I’d ever sampled a Reuilly red! Denis Jamain, a secret teaser in Kermit Lynch’s import portfolio, makes some stunning wines from his Domaine du Reuilly estate in France’s Loire Valley region, his Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris wines are laser like focused and bursting with intensity, he is a really talented guy that puts his passion in the bottle, no question. This Reuilly Rouge is 100% Pinot Noir and has the same intensity and sharp vivid character as his whites have, making for a clear and vibrant wine with excellent purity, structure and grace, while not being a big or fruity wine there is a sense firmness and muscle to this Pinot, there is tannin and and good extract to be found, but these are well managed and the lively acidity lifts the fruit. The color is rather deep for this region and the wine certain feels textural on the palate with a good sense of depth and a long finish. The nose is mineral spiced with hints of wilted roses, wild herbs, kirsch and earthy red red fruit before entry to the mouth that shows expansion with red currant, dark cherry, tangy plum and apple skin along with black tea, cinnamon stick, ground pepper, chalk, forest floor earthiness, truffle and dried strawberry. This unique Pinot Noir finishes with a dry extract, crisp briskness and leaves a long subtle aftertaste which feels austere and old world, but delightful and refreshing too, this wine will gain with some cellar time, very compelling, drink from 2014 to 2021.
($25 Est.) 92+ Points, grapelive
