My previous ridiculous bargain of the year thus far was the 2011 Mas de Gourgonnier Les Baux-de-Provence Réserve du Mas but we’ve got a new front-runner here. Anyone familiar with this little gem? The label actually says Vin de France instead of Saumur, perhaps previous vintages have been in the AOC? The term ‘bistro red’ probably does not sound all that great to many but that is just what this wine is to me, in the best possible sense. And pretty much as unadulterated and authentic as Loire Cabernet Franc gets.
2012 M & S Bouchet Saumur Le Sylphe- France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Saumur (4/1/2016)
The specs here are quite much to my liking: the oldest biodynamic estate in France, 60 year old vines, 10.50 € price tag. The nose is bursting with sweet cassis fruit, while possessing also herbal and leafy notes. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, juicy and very relaxed with easy tannins and lively acidity. Deliciously savory and lip-smacking with a flavor profile similar to the nose. Finishes really clean, leaving one’s mouth watering. Pairs well with lamb tenderloin marinated in herbs and goes down alarmingly easy.
I recently opened a few bottles of the 2010 vintage of this wine. One bottle was not in great shape, but the other two were very good. The cork from all 3 bottles stated “Chateau Gaillard”, which I believe is St. Emilion. The 2010 bottles looked very similar to the 2012 photo on CT.
Actually with quick googling I found out that the wines used to be sold under the name Château Gaillard:
“While Matthieu & Sylvanie Bouchet were moving away from the current style of Anjous, he had
repeated failures with the AOC. So they decided once and for all to make only wines from France
(Vin de France), losing the right to mention the name of the Domaine (the term Chateau is
forbidden in this category of wine). Thus, the name Domaine Chateau de Gaillard has been retired,
and M & S Bouchet was born. Their latest dry white is simply called “Blanc de Chenin”.”