Three Exceptional French Wines You Need to Try This Season
November 21, 2024
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Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley are two of France’s most revered wine regions, celebrated for their ability to produce wines of unparalleled depth and character. Castelnau de Suduiraut 2017 highlights the artistry of Sauternes with its luscious sweetness and precision. Château l’Église d’Armens 2020 brings the richness and elegance of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru to the forefront. From the Rhône, Domaine des Sénéchaux Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020 delivers bold complexity and vibrant energy.
Prices include tax.
Castelnau de Suduiraut 2017
Castelnau de Suduiraut 2017 showcases the elegance and richness that define the Sauternes appellation. Crafted predominantly from Sémillon grapes, it offers a beautifully balanced profile of concentrated sweetness and refreshing acidity. This vintage reveals a golden hue with enticing aromas of candied orange, apricot, and tropical fruits, accented by subtle notes of frangipani and warm spices. On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied, unfolding layers of candied citrus, lychee, and ginger that lead to a long, refined finish. Designed to be an approachable yet sophisticated expression of Sauternes, it captures the artistry of Château Suduiraut while offering exceptional value. It earned 94 points from James Suckling, who highlighted its toffee, honey, and dried fruit characteristics.
$30.95/btl - Available through LCBO Vintages. Find it at a location near you!
Château l'Église d'Armens 2020
Château l'Église d'Armens 2020 comes from a small, meticulously managed estate in Saint-Émilion, under the care of the Malet Roquefort family. Crafted with a focus on Merlot, this wine offers a plush and inviting profile with a balanced structure. The vintage reveals aromas of dark berries, licorice, and earthy undertones, accented by hints of spice and chocolate. On the palate, it is juicy and supple, with velvety tannins and a medium-to-full-bodied texture that leads to a long, elegant finish. Perfectly suited for pairing with roasted meats, and aged cheeses. Praised by critics for its balance and approachability, this wine is expected to evolve beautifully with a few more years of cellaring.
$41.95/btl - Available through LCBO Vintages. Find it at a location near you!
Domaine des Sénéchaux Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020
Domaine des Sénéchaux Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020 is a refined and expressive wine that reflects the rich traditions of the Rhône Valley. Made from a classic blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, this vintage achieves a harmonious balance of depth and elegance. Aged for a year in a combination of large wooden vats, old barrels, and concrete tanks, it showcases both vibrant fruit character and subtle oak complexity. The nose offers inviting aromas of ripe cherries, black pepper, and cocoa, with delicate herbal undertones. On the palate, it reveals silky tannins, layers of red berries, spiced plum, and a touch of licorice, with a fresh, lingering finish.
$59.95/btl - Available through LCBO Vintages.
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