France - South West

Question 1

Pale lemon

Pronounced aromas of citrus (lemon, grapefruit), stone fruits (white peach), gree fruit (gooseberry), herbaceous (fresh cut grass), flowers (elderflower, white flower), tropical (green pineapple), wet stone, flint.

Dry, high acid, med alc, med body

Answer 1

Region: Gascogny (Armagnac country), moderate maritime climate

Region is also knows as “little Tuscany” because of its gentil hills

Producer:

The Laffitte family has lived in this area since Medieval times: records in the village of Ayzieu traces the family back to the 15th century.

The family was traditionally Armagnac producers; they switched to wines 2 generations ago

100% Sauvignon Blanc

Question 2

deep purple

pronounced intensity

red fruit (plum, cherry), black fruit (dark plum, dark cherry, blackberry), floral (violets), subtle wet stones / wet rock (became more obvious once the wine opened up a little). Simple, fruit forward, with ripe fruit character.

Dry, med(+) acidity, med tannins (ripe and soft), med alc, med (+) intensity of red & black plum, red & black cherry, blackberry, violets, med (+) body, long finish, with freshness of fruit (black and red) carrying through right to the end.

The wine is well balanced, with the elevated acidity balanced against the fruit concentration.

This is wine shows very little complexity, with primary fruits and wet stone notes only; for an outstanding wine, I’d expect more complexity.

A pronounced intensity on the nose and flavour concentration lead to a long finish.

This is a very good wine, rather than outstanding, as it lacks in complexity.

This wine is suitable for further ageing, as the acidity will keep it fresh, with tannins offering further structural support for ageing and the concentration of primary aromas would be enough for further development.

Answer 2

• Details:

100% Malbec, hand harvested, from vineyard at 300m ASL.

30 days of maceration at 28oC

Follows organic principles.