Anthony Lynch
2013 SAUVIGNON BLANC “UNIQUE”
DOMAINE DU SALVARD
Believe it or not, this is my favorite Sauvignon Blanc of our portfolio, beating out even the fanciest of Sancerres. Here are three reasons why:
1. Refreshment: the Unique is so crisp and zippy that your thirst stands no chance. Parched throats, beware.
2. Influence on mood: it may be the bright, zesty flavors, but sipping on the Unique always livens me up. This Sauvignon evokes fresh, juicy citrus in a way that provokes exuberant gulping. And between the two of us, it tastes pretty good straight from the bottle . . . not that I would know.
3. Value: it doesn’t cost much, and don’t forget our case discount. Eleven bottles might not be enough.
The only downside is the bottles—they appear to be defective. Each one I try seems to have a hole in the bottom.
$14.95 per bottle $161.46 per case
2012 TERRASSES DU LARZAC ROUGE
LES VIGNES OUBLIÉES
The Languedoc is a geographically diverse region, extending from the sun-baked plains bordering the Mediterranean to the lush, green Cévennes Mountains that lead into France’s Massif Central. Jean-Baptiste Granier is an ambitious twenty-nine-year-old who is passionate about vinifying several organically farmed parcels of old-vine Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, and Cinsault nestled up against this impressive mountain range. The Terrasses du Larzac he bottles is certainly a Southern wine—the influence of garrigue and meridional sunshine are unmistakable—but the high altitude of his vineyards lends a cool-climate sensibility to his rouge. The 2012 vintage beautifully illustrates what this little-known appellation is all about: this wine’s muscular core is highlighted by bright flavors of fresh red fruits, making it exceptionally drinkable. Grab some for now and some for your cellar before the rest of the world finds out about Jean-Baptiste’s fascinating and fruitful project.
$32.00 per bottle $345.60 per case