Puydeval 2009 encore une fois une valeur exceptionnelle

eRobertParker.com
# 196

Aug 2011             David Schildknecht         89

Drink: 2011
- 2012            $11-$14 (14)

With apologies to those growers in the nearby Cabardes appellation whom I did not
visit or whose wines I have not had chance to write-up for a Wine Advocate
report, I take the liberty of singling-out oenologist-negociant Jeff Carrel’s
2009 Puydeval – a blend of Cabernet Franc with some Syrah and Merlot grown near
Carcasonne – because it once again offers outstanding value
such as I cannot over-look. (And yes, geographically this ought to have been
reported on in issue 195.) Having enjoyed ten months rather than the full year
in barrel granted its two predecessors, this hasn’t suffered. Scents of machine
oil, cherry, and scrub on the nose usher in a palate of polished, even silken
texture possessed of generously juicy dark cherry tinged with the bitterness if its pit
as well as cocoa powder and pungent herbs. This strong-finisher should perform
admirably for at least the next 18 months.