French Red Wines - November 22nd - Ms Abbie

French Red Wines - November 22nd, 2011 - Ms Abbie
"Santé !" Lets toast to the this GORGEOUS Autumn with French Red Wines. Attendees will bring 1 bottle of a French Red Wine. If you have a favorite region, please be prepared to tell us about it and why. BONUS points if your wine pairs well with Thanksgiving Turkey...
Wikipedia: French Wines - "France is the source of many grape varieties (such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah) that are now planted throughout the world, as well as wine-making practices and styles of wine that have been adopted in other producing countries. "
Pairings: Some amazing Pairing ideas for various French wines .

Tasting Notes:
1) 2006 Baron Edmond Von Rothschild - Chateau Malmaison-Medoc-Bordeaux Superior $18.99 @ Minks (on sale)
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Must breathe well, this wine had to open up, so we re-tasted it after the other wines this night.
Color - skin of dark plum (black dark plum), blueberry, opaque,
Palate - smooth, medium bodied, crazy tannins
Aroma - Spray paint/alcohol, musky, smoky berry, earthy mushroom, dry, very dry, "tannic as hell", slight bitterness, sharp finish, some spice, "2 thumbs up" says Deb. kitty litter aroma,
Left-Bank - Rheinallt's guess?

2) 2009 Les Terrasses - Val de Loire - Chinon - Cabernet Franc $19.99 at Le Caveau
Color - magenta
Nose - Licorice, almost sweet on the nose, flowery like roses, floral on nose, smells "French", wet grass, manure, rose petals, horse manure
Palate- rosy, recommend pair with hearty meat or tomato sauce, complex earthy tones

3) 2009 Vieux Chateau Landon - Cru Borgeous - Medoc - Cyril Gilet $12.99-13.99 at CostCo
13.5% alcohol, 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot
Color - dark garnet, heavier legs
Nose - caramel on the nose, toffee, honey nectar, malalactic and oak,
Palate - light chocolate, smooth, caramel, pair with chocolate, caramel, apple, soft tannins, good grip

4) 2009 Chateau Arnauton - Fronsac - Grand Vin de Bordeaux $12.99-13.99 at CostCo
Color - dark, less opaque, ruby red
Nose - similar to #2, but not as heavy, spicier, a bit of white pepper,
Palate - medium to full bodied, lighter than others, rounded, more refreshing, strong tannins, earthy

5) 2009 Cotes du Rhone - Chiroubles - Domaine Cheysson Recoultant $16.99 @ Ansley (grouped with Turkey pairing wines) - Gamay
Color - can see through it, candy red, no legs if at all,
Nose - candy cherry, cherry jello, guessing Gamay?, kool-aid aroma
Palate - well balanced, guessing 3-4 varietals in a blend, grown up cherry-grape flavor, easy to drink, good tartness and minerality, soft body, tannic

6) 2009 Minervois - Languedoc - Chateau Coupe Roses - Gamay $16.99 @ Sherlock Wine Merchant in Decatur
13% alcohol, (old vine Carignan/Grenache)
Color - cloudy
Nose - earthy, grapes
Palate - a bit of effervescence (reminds me of La Butte Gamay), crispier, strong minerality, delish earth,
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Tidbits:
Valerie and Rheinallt are starting list of places in ATL that have NO CORKAGE FEE so you can bring your own wines:
Murphy's
Fleming's (if wine is not on their list)
Rathbuns (if you let Chef Rathbun taste it)
Gu's Bistro - Szechuan - spicy - recommend bringing your own glasses and a white wine like a Gewurtztraminer
etc.