Domaine Henri Naudin-Ferrand, Bourgogne Pinot Noir AOC, Burgundy, France 2008

Dry red wine from the Beaune region in Burgundy, France.

Technical Data: 100% Pinot Noir. Underwent 100% malolactic fermentation. On the lees for several months. 30 Years old vines.

Description: Nice light red color. On the nose the wine is very fruity showing off fresh cherries and raspberries with a good earthy note. On the palate, medium to full bodied wine. Beautiful expression of a Burgundy Pinot Noir AOC with red and black fresh fruits laced with forest and earthy flavors. A hint of smoke as well as a touch of spice complete the scene. This wine is supple, almost silky with very smooth tannins.

Food Pairing & Service: Enjoy in general with paté & deli. During summertime, serve slightly chilled with spicy BBQ or grilled fish.

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential:

Price as seen on DC shelf: usually around $18.00

Importer/Distributor: Comete Wines from Silver Spring MD

Domaine Henri Naudin-Ferrand, Hautes Côtes de Beaune AOC, Burgundy, France 2005

Dry white wine from the Beaune region in Burgundy, France.

Technical Data: 100% Chardonnay, vintage 2005, aged for 6 months in French oak barrels.

Description: Beautiful bright honey-gold color. This wine is exceptionally well balanced. Showcasing a floral bouquet with honey, almond flowers and honeysuckle layered with apricot and candied fruits. The palate is reminiscent of its nose with the addition of mineral notes laced with some smokiness and vanilla/oak hints. Full bodied Chardonnay. The finish is expressing a slight spiciness. Very supple wine, all in finesse and quite harmonious which has a long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: To be enjoyed now chilled with a nice piece of salmon or paired with shellfish such as scallops.

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: Ready to drink now

Price as seen on DC shelf: usually around $25-$28

Importer/Distributor: Comete Wines from Silver Spring MD

Clotilde Davenne, Les Temps Perdus, AOC Saint-Bris, Burgundy, France 2010

Dry white wine from the Chablis Region in Burgundy, France

Technical Data: 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Hand harvested. Underwent 100% malolactic fermentation. On the lees for several months. Very elegant wine, from the only AOC (Saint-Bris) from Burgundy allowed to produce a Sauvignon Blanc wine. No oak to preserve the freshness and "terroir-like" characteristic of this wine.

Description: Bright light gold color. On the nose, the wine exudes tropical fruits and stone fruits mingled with mineral aromas. Quite complex. The palate is an “explosion” of flavors with to name only a few, peach, citrus zest, flint-stone and white flowers followed by only a hint of spice. Very long lasting.

Food Pairing & Service: Enjoy chilled with seafood, fish as well as goat cheese.

Score: 9/10. One of the best Saint-Bris I ever tasted. This particular wine & vintage has received a tones of accolades since its release. Clotilde Davenne has been voted the best Winemaker of the year 2005 in Stockholm! Look for her wines, they are all beautifully crafted. Also very important, because the area of production of this small AOC in Burgundy, there is only a handful of producers whom can indeed make Saint-Bris wines, if memory serves me right, right now, there should be only about 10 to 12 producers of Saint-Bris AOC.

Ageing Potential: Made to be drunk in its youth to preserve its delightful freshness. Drink now and for 2 more year.

Price as seen on DC shelf: usually around $15-$18

Importer/Distributor: Comete Wines from Silver Spring MD

Château Mukhrani Wines

News: The wines of Château Mukhrani, Georgia (Eastern Europe), are now available in the DC Metro Area and MD. For a complete list of the retailers and restaurants carrying these great and unique wines, you can contact Virginie, Mukhrani's Brand Ambassador in the United States at v.ajot@mukhrani.com.

Château Mukhrani, Khvanchkara Naturally Semi-Sweet Red Wine (AOC) 2008, Kartli, Georgia (Rep. of)

Naturally Semi Sweet red wine from the Racha region in Georgia. Khvanchkara is one of the 18 AOC existing in Georgia.

Technical Data: Alexandrouli grape variety is used. 11% vol.

Description: Bright ruby red color with brick hues. Bountiful of ripe cherry on the nose with a touch of strawberry. On the palate, medium bodied wine. Intense & exuberant wild strawberry flavors mingled with sweet cherry and a soft black pepper hint. Well integrated tannins for a velvety long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Although it is a naturally semi-sweet red wine, it is very versatile and will accompany a wide range of food, from fresh fruits and salad to poultry and grilled red meat. Enjoy at 11-12 degree.

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: Enjoy now or in the next 2 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: Soon available in MD and DC wine stores and Restaurants.

Château Mukhrani, Muscat Fortified Dessert Wine NV, Kartli, Georgia (Rep. of)

Sweet Dessert Wine, although I have tasted it with real food also and I must say, to say it is a dessert wine only will not do it justice! This is the kind of Muscat that when you have tasted it once you want to find any excuse to drink it again...It is that good. And if it wasn’t enough, on top of that is its packaging, the bottle is completely gorgeous with a luxous perfume bottle feel.

Technical Data: 100% White Muscat fortified with Château Mukhrani Chacha Spirit. 18% vol.

Description: Bright honey gold color. Exuberant nose expressing dried fruits and floral aromas. Rich and luscious palate for a full bodied sweet wine. Honey and dried apricot are mingled with figs, and spicy flavors backed up by soft oak notes. Extremely well balanced for a wine of such intensity. Long lasting unforgettable finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Although it is a sweet wine, Château Mukhrani Muscat is very versatile, consume by itself as an aperitif, with spicy Asian dishes, or fruity salads. It is exquisite with dark chocolate and figs. It will also accompany extremely well Foie Gras. Drink preferably chilled (Best at 12-14 degree Celsius), but can also be served at room temperature to suit individual taste.

Score: 9.5/10.

Ageing Potential: Enjoy anytime

Price as seen on DC shelf: Not available at the moment.

Château Mukhrani, Saperavi/Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Kartli, Georgia (Rep. of)

Dry and full body red wine from the Kartli region (surrounding Tbilisi the capital) in Georgia. Saperavi is a world-class grape variety endemic to Georgia.

Technical Data: 60% Saperavi and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Hand harvested. Aged a minimum of 7 months and up to 10 months prior bottling depending of the vintage. French / American / Caucasian Oak barrels are used. 12.5% vol.

Description: Inky color. Its nose exudes ripe dark cherries and oak with a nice enticing touch of spice. Dry and round this wine is full bodied. On the palate, ripe cherries flavors dominates. Velvety smooth tannins and a touch of oak for a long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Very versatile wine which goes well with a wide assortments of foods from roasted red meats and strong cheeses to rich & creamy dishes.

Score: 7/10.

Ageing Potential: Can be enjoyed now or cellared for a few more years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: Soon available in MD and DC wine stores and Restaurants.