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Reflections of a Francophile
Chinon is one of my favorite appellations primarily because it has such a wonderful array of soil types: alluvial terraces rich with silica, gravel, quartz, chalk and clay. I never grow tired of the florality, the flintiness, and all the other Cabernet Francness. It’s becomes my obsession, my albatross, my moral compass. This is a blessing and a burden. You have certain expectations. Few producers will rise above the bar you set. Liquid Nirvana may elude your grasp, but you keep searching.
Just the other day I had the great opportunity to open a bottle over dinner that blew me away. My Spidey senses flew off-the-charts. People would pay a pretty penny to have this information, so bargain wisely.
The wine in question is Beatrice and Pascal Lambert Chinon “Les Terrasses” 2010 $19.99 (biodynamic)
Tucked in the slopes of Cravant, the Lamberts are fourth generation winemakers and masters of typicty. Their alluvial terraces are limned with Turonion chalk and flinty clay.
They run a certified Biodynamic estate and exude love for their land and it shows in their craftsmanship.
Les Terrasses is made with wild yeast and left to age in the bottle without the influence of oak or sulphur. It offers a jam session of heady notes and flavors: garden herbs, dill, beetroot, cracked black pepper, and, of course, a delicate violet bouquet on the attack and finish. I caught a delicious paprika-tinged bite that reminded me of a crunchy Smokra pickle, perfect for Cuban sandwiches. The key to this delicious wine’s unwavering intrigue is its near-Zelig ability to twist and turn into something altogether different based upon what dish you serve it with and what type of mood you happen to be in when quaffing.
-John |
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How To Get to Our Store
We are located in the West Chelsea neighborhood, on Tenth Avenue between 19th and 20th streets. Our store is easially accesible by the following mass transit:
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14th Street Station, exit onto 16th Street and Eighth Avenue, walk West two blocks to 10th Avenue, turn right and walk three blocks North. |
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18th Street Station, walk three blocks West to Tenth Avenue, turn right and walk one block North. |
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14th Street Station, walk West three blocks to 10th Avenue, turn right and walk five blocks North. |
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By Bus: |
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Travels South on Ninth Avenue and North on Tenth Avenue, where it stops right in front of our store. |
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West to
the last stop and then walk one block north on 10th Ave to 19th Street. |
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