2012 Domaine Edmond Jacquin & Fils, Mondeuse, Savoie, France.
I had previously had the Edmond Jacquin whites, which were really delicious and wonderful, so it was with excitement that I got to try the latest red, a Mondeuse, from this Domaine in the Savoie region of France, imported by the Bay Area’s own Charles Neal. Neal’s import portfolio includes lots of interesting regional French artisan winemakers from some very out of the way places, like the southwest of France, and lots of mountain wines, including many from the Savoie and even Switzerland, in cluding these lovely wines from Edmond Jacquin in the alpine area of the Savoie. The 2012 Jacquin Mondeuse is spicy and vibrant with peppered red fruits, vivid energy and a medium body starting with tangy raspberry, plum and strawberry fruit, cracked peppercorns, walnut oil, hints of roasted herbs and anise and a crisp red citrus note. This fresh and lively Mondeuse has the usual Gamay meets Syrah feel, but is a touch more elegant and focused than most, this is a delightful and well crafted wine that is true to it’s region, having terroir character and exceptionally clear and persistent, finishing with good detail and length with a hint of kirsch, earth and saline.
($16 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
