it is just grapejuice

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2003 Domaine de Baumard “Clos du Papillion” Savenniéres- Loire Valley, France

This 100% Chenin Blanc is from a single vineyard in the shape of a “Papillion” or butterfly. It has a slight nose with lovely aromas of pear, white peach and a floral tone that are reminiscent of spring time. The palate has a graceful weight about it that lingers on and on and on. I would strongly suggest finding some right away.

Here are 3 recommendations for the “under $15” category. This price point for our little, thin skinned friend has been difficult to find. Be it from the Cote de Beane or from Central Otago or Willamette Valley or Santa Barbara you need to be prepared to pay more in the “over $25” category. Part of the reason is yields. Pinot likes to be cropped at less than 2 tons per acre which makes it tough to make a good bargain.

2003 Erath Oregon- a lighter style Pinot Noir with lots of red fruit and acid . 93% of the fruit comes from vineyards with in the Willamette Valley. Try it with lighter grilled meats, fish or probably best as an aperitif.

2002- Benton Lane- Oregon- a well made wine with plenty of earth, bright cherries and acidity. It is a true, Oregon style Pinot. Try it grilled salmon and some roasted potatoes. Incidentally, Benton Lanes Pinot’s have some of the highest levels of the cancer fighting compound Resveratrol found in any wine.

2004 Chateau St. Jean- Sonoma County- An overachiever from some excellent vineyard sources in both Carneros and the Russian River Valley! It is for sure a California Pinot- with lots of fruit but the wine never looses sense of itself. This would be a good wine to stock up on and have around for the Holidays!