Quintessential France
This group of French reds and whites hails from a range of denominations, from the Rhône Valley to the Loire Valley to Beaujolais, offering distinctive styles from around the country. All the wines here are terrific values for their appellations.
DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIÈRE Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016 (94, $40) Dense, ripe; steeped cur-rant, fig, boysenberry, dark earth, tobacco, cocoa
FRANÇOIS PINON Vouvray Silex Noir 2017 (94, $30) Lemon zest, green plum, quince, wet stone, sel gris; silky, precise
DOMAINE SANTA DUC Gigondas Aux Lieux-Dits 2017 (93, $32) Pretty, fresh; red currant, damson plum, raspberry coulis, floral, mineral
BERNARD BAUDRY Chinon 2017 (92, $24) Dark cherry, cola, tobacco, bay leaf, black pepper; vibrant, harmonious
CATHERINE & PIERRE BRETON Bourgueil Trinch! 2017 (92, $27) Firm, lively; black currant, espresso, tobacco, spice…
