I’m halfway through the challenge as I type this. I’ve been tardy about posting my tasting notes, but I promise you, I will.
My view from the bar. Lovely scotches, too.
If you haven’t seen my post on the BIN 36 blog yet, you should go check it out. Their challenge has brain-washed me into a rabid fan of their style. It’s a badass place, you need to be taking this thing down with me.
But The BIN 36 Challenge has already been mastered in an epic 5 day sprint by spirited wino, Laura P. You can read her heroic account on her blog, Bubbles or Bust.
I blindly started going through the flights in reverse order, and little did I realize I’d be starting out with my favorite place in the world, Southern France. Needless to say, it’s been my favorite flight so far.
If you’re working on the challenge too, leave a comment after the jump, let us know what you’re up to!
Flight #12: Low Down Dirty Reds
Killer flight.
Exactly what you’d expect: ridiculously ripe fruit, spice, smoke, animal hide…the name of this flight perfectly matches the flavor profile. If you need a reason to to fall in love with So Fran, here are four:
1. 2007 Syrah/Grenache, Cotes-du-Rhone, Brusset, “Laurent B.,” Rhone Valley, France
A slightly floral nose, a little earthy. Surprising acidity behind this wine, but really well balanced. Definite old-oak, earthy flavors. Great start.
2. 2008 Syrah/Grenache, Maison L’Aiglon, St. Chinan, France
Getting a lot of spice in this wine, with some smokiness on the smell. Subtly tastes of chocolate and leather.
3. 2007 Grenache/Syrah/Merlot, Piaugier, “Les Ramieres,” Pays de Vacluse, France
The smell of this wine was really herbal, reminded me a bit of the Hungarian liquor Unicum. Has very deep, intense red fruit. The finish bursts in my mouth, and lingers.
4. 2007 Grenache/Syrah, Grande Cassagne,”G.S.,” Languedoc, France
I got some smoke, and even a little funky bacon fat on the nose. It has a brooding chocolate earthiness, a really lush wine. Favorite wine of the flight by far.
Flight #11: Express Yourself
Chalkboards, propaganda.
If you like sweet wines, this is going to be your favorite. The Riesling is a dead-ringer, but the Vouvray is delightful. Even if you don’t like sweet wines, give it a spin and find yourself surprised.
1. 2008 Chenin Blanc/Petite Chenin, Ken Forrester, Stellensboch, South Africa
It is required of every wine blog to mention that Chenin Blanc is, or perhaps was (no one really cares,) called “steen” in South Africa. This is a random fact you will never need to know. So forget it. I only wrote it because I friggin’ had to.
Anway.
I got a lot of stone fruit, kinda like nectarine. Good acidity.
2. 2007 Pinot Blanc, Chateau D’Orschwihr, “Bollenberg,” Alsace, France
Exactly what you expect from Alsace, and if you don’t expect anything from Alsace, then it’s badass in a glass. The mouth feel is lush, you gotta chomp this wine.
3. 2007 Vouvray, Demi-sec, Yves Breussin, Loire Valley, France
Sweet pear, honey, and a beautiful nose. Honestly, if I didn’t love Riesling so much, I think this would be my favorite.
4. 2008 Riesling, Dr. Loosen, “Dr. L,” Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany
Exactly what you expect from German Riesling: honeyed fruit, wet rock, sharp pear that almost cuts your tongue. I have no idea what that means, but I wrote it down, so that’s what I’m going with.
