Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais Nouveau 2009

Region: Beaujolais, France
Grapes: 100% Gamay
ABV: 12.5%
Price: $10

As you see, after three years or so, I finally figured out how to take pictures with my Macbook...but I digress.

Like the Duboeuf, the Drouhin Nouveau has that light, almost juice-like color, but unlike last year's vintage, this wine has legs. Not much, but more than I expected out of a Beaujolais Nouveau. The aroma is fruity, almost like a dessert. Very light, with a cherry and dark fruit flavor that clings to your mouth. Not as rich as the Duboeuf, but pleasant.

EDIT: I am changing my story. After sitting out for 30 minutes to an hour, the Drouhin becomes a much more mellow, well-rounded drink with a richness that isn't as punch-you-in-the-face as the Duboeuf. This is truly the better wine of the two, it just needs a moment to find itself.

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau 2009

Region: Beaujolais, France
Grapes: 100% Gamay
ABV: 12.5%
Price: $10

With the color of grape juice you would buy at the supermarket, this wine is a simple harvest wine that exudes a fresh, fruity aroma with a hint of herb. Flavor-wise, it is an uncomplicated cherry tart with that hint of herbiness showing through in the background. Maybe tart is too sweet a term, but there is a light, distinct sweetness to this wine. Give it a slight chill and have it with a light fare meal, especially poultry.

Port-Salut

Origin: France
Where & When: Whole Foods, October 10, 2009
Milk: Cow
Style: Semi-soft/Washed-rind
How Used: On a cheese board with sea-salt pita crackers

Modeled after a cheese previously made by Trappist monks. Strong aromas lead into a very mild cheesewith a salty-sweet flavor. Texture is soft like a spreadable cheese, but spongy and springy in that it won't spread and it will return to original shape. We found it delicious on crackers and would make a great addition to a cheese platter at a party.

Hugues de Beauvignac Coteaux du Languedoc Picpoul-de-Pinet 2008

Region: Coteaux du Languedoc, France

Grapes: 100% Piquepoul Blanc (Picpoul-de-Pinet)

ABV: 12.5%
Price: $12

Its a mouthful to say, but worth the effort! Pale gold bliss with a soft tangy-floral nose. Very smooth and mellow, full of ripe pear and lemon with a citrusy-floral finish with just enough oak to give it a slight butteriness. Would compliment seafood or alfredo pasta wonderfully.

Les Tours de Beaumont 2005 Haut-Médoc

Preface: I have so many of these things to put up. This is a little thing called "ketchup".

Region: Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, France

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

ABV: 13%
Price: $14

Light bodied, with a nose of toasty wood and sweet berries. Tannins are a little too strong, overwhelming what might otherwise be a fine, if a little light, red blend. Blackberry is drowned leaving only the spicy tannins and bits of oak.