Chateau Meroux Sampler (3)

Saturday, July 21, 2012

The scene is set at Le Chateau Meroux, an elegant but quaint lounge in the Cognac region of France. A tall, dark-haired man named Adrien Adaire walks through the door and surveys the room before taking a seat at the bar. He’s not good-looking in the traditional sense. But there’s something about him. Charming. Charismatic. Debonair.

The barkeep, Bernard, finishes wiping down a snifter before approaching.

BERNARD: Bien le bonsoir, Monsieur. Is there something I may get for you? 

ADRIEN: Je ne suis pas sur. Perhaps I am in the mood for … a sampling.

Adrien raised one eyebrow as he flicked his cigarette into the ashtray.

BERNARD: I think there is something we can do for Monsieur.

Bernard gestured to the end of the bar, and Adrien followed his gaze. There sat three varietals-a blonde, a brunette and a red head. All distinct. All lovely on their own accord.

Adrien smiled a sly smile.

ADRIEN: By all means. Tell me more, Bernard.

BERNARD: That one, the deep garnet red. She is the most mature of the three. Balanced. Very generous. Silky smooth tannins. She starts off bold, the way reds tend to do, and finishes with dark fruits of cherry and blueberry.

ADRIEN: Very interesting. I am no doubt intrigued. Now tell me about the blonde.

BERNARD: Ah yes, a gentleman’s favorite. Golden in hue. Elegant and buttery, but vibrant with hints of pear and toast. She’s both soft and silky, and also quite rich.

ADRIEN: A lady of means. Not necessary, of course, but good to know nonetheless. And what about that one, Bernard?

BERNARD: That one, Monsieur. She is not for everyone. They call Madame “La Mouton Noir.” Black sheep. She is, how you say, traditionally French. Dense, dark cherry in color and very fruit forward. Full bodied, as Monsieur can plainly see, with black currant and cassis.

ADRIEN: Say no more, Bernard. I have made my decision. I will have all three.

BERNARD: Dare I say you are also traditionally French, non? Tres bon, Monsieur. I will arrange it for you.

2007 Merlot, Bennett Valley, Sonoma County Reserve 750ml

• Blend composition: 100% Merlot
• Appellation:  Bennett Valley
• Alcohol: 14.78 %
• TA: 6.00 g/l
• pH: 3.39
• R.S.: 0.42%

2009 Chardonnay, Napa Valley Reserve 750ml

• Blend composition: 100% Chardonnay
• Appellation:  Napa Valley
• Alcohol: 12.86%
• TA: 7.86
• pH: 3.55
• R.S.: 0.43%

2009 Le Mouton Noir Reserve Blend 750ml

• Blend composition:  60% Cabernet, 40% Merlot
• Alcohol:  14.4%
• TA: 5.67 g/l
• pH: 3.79
• R.S.: 0.23%

Woot