A Seriously Great Discovery

"Creamy, floral, aromatic, juicy, sweet, slightly acidic, with buttery and slightly gritty finish.". Hmmm, these sound like pretty good descriptors for a bottle of wine? Actually they are the descriptors for the Anjou Pear, a pear that is thought to have originated in the early to mid-19th century in the vicinity of Angers in central France, also known as the Anjou province today. Honestly, as a chef, I know more about the Anjou pear than the red wines from Anjou. But a chance encounter last week forever changed my perspective on these fabulous reds from the Anjou province of the Loire Valley.

Last week, I had a scheduled tasting appointment with Dan Lavorel of TGIC Importers. He brought with him a usual list of good wines from Argentina, California, & Australia. But he also brought two red wines from the Anjou province from a producer called Domaine Philippe Delesvaux. Prior to this tasting, I had little exposure to Loire Valley reds. Most of the Loire Valley wines that I have tasted are mostly dry whites or sweet wines.(I actually cannot remember the last time I had a bottle of red wine from the Loire Valley.) But if you are a curious drinker who is looking for a great value import wine for everyday drinking that is rich, robust, and age worthy, you may want to expand your horizons and try a bottle of these wonderful red wines from Philippe Delesvaux.

2005 Domaine Philippe Delesvaux Anjou Rouge "La Montee de L'epine" - $20 a bottle (100% Cabernet Sauvigon) Opaque, inky, black purple color with nose of blackberry liquor and cherry. The mid-palate is rich, dense, thick with great purity. The acidity is modestly high (13.5% alcohol). The finish is a bit dry and short. Otherwise, this is a seriously great wine. (92+)

2005 Domaine Philippe Delesvaux Anjou Rouge - $18 a bottle (100% Cabernet Franc) Dark Purple with rich trim. The nose shows more blackberry liquor, red currant and roasted meat. The mid-palate delivers nice minerality and richness (13.2% alcohol). The finish has a bittersweet chocolate note but it is relatively short. (91)

As a self-described "explorer", I am excited to try new wines from lesser known regions. I was pleasantly surprised to discover these two wonderful red wines. At less than $20 a bottle, they are a great everyday drinking wines. The real challenge is to find a place that offers them.

Wine: 2005 Philippe Delesvaux Anjou Rouge "La Montee de L'epine"
Current Score (Future Potential): 92 (94)
Region: Anjou, Loire Valley
Vintage: 2005
Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Date Reviewed: 12/19/2007

Wine: 2005 Philippe Delesvaux Anjou Rouge
Current Score (Future Potential): 91 (92)
Region: Anjou, Loire Valley
Vintage: 2005
Varietals: 100% Cabernet Franc
Date Reviewed: 12/19/2007

Note: I am passionate about what I do. I taste wines daily and evaluate them based on my own knowledge. The opinions above are solely my independent views. My numerical score is my snapshot assessment of the wine at the time of my evaluation and it may change as wines tend to evolve or develop in the bottle. My written evaluation of these wines are solely my expression of my opinion.

Comments

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