Some nice Frenchies last night with fellow inactive forumite MikkoR. We had tried the St. Péray while visiting Franck a few years back so was cool to share a bottle now. The Defaix was an absolute star and I have to source more. Lignier was another positive surprise from the less than consistent 2018 vintage.
2018 Hubert Lignier Bourgogne Plan Gilbert- France, Burgundy, Bourgogne (12.12.2021)
Plentiful dark cherry fruit with notes of wet earth and shit on the nose. Great weight on the palate with strong tannic grip. Juicy yet very savory. Nothing screaming hot year here, this is full of energy and shows no heat. Overall a very substantial, hefty wine despite the lowly appellation.
2015 Franck Balthazar St. Péray- France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Péray (12.12.2021)
On the nose perfumed with dried fruits, almond oil and floral notes. Very expressive and open. On the palate rich and expansive with some warmth despite the moderate 13% ABV. Ripe but still on the savory side. Remarkable viscosity with a firm mouthfeel, this is quite a powerhouse for the appellation, with huge length too. A serious and impressive wine, if not the easiest to pair with foods.
2006 Daniel-Etienne Defaix Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons- France, Burgundy, Chablis, Chablis 1er Cru (12.12.2021)
Lemon, apricot, cream, iodine and nutty tones - a wonderful nose that way more than the sum of its parts. Lots of complexity with both matured and fresh notes. On the palate relatively rich and voluminous with fantastic acidity that provides lift and energy in spades. A chiselled, waxy wine that seems to be at its peak or near it. There is good fruit but overall it is very much savory and minerally.
Yes i think he only produces a few hundred bottles per vintage. I did not know that when i bought mine, and had actually forgotten all about it. But it was really good. Going to grab a few 20’s if possible when they release.
Nice notes on the Balthazar. I’ve had the 17, 18 and 19. Agree that they aren’t easy to pair with food but they are interesting wines! Bourg’s St. Peray is interesting as well, which gives me an idea, I should do a side-by-side tasting of these.
