loved the 2005, not as much the 2006, never saw the 2007, and now we have the 2008. In other Saumur-Champigny news, the 2005 Clos Rougeard wines were very impressive. The 2005 Le Clos was wide open and ready to go, crystal clear and with beautiful fruit. People came from all over the world to participate. MORE >>

The Arboleda 2006 was more full bodied with lots of earth, green pepper and tobacco. The Marques de Concha Casa, at $20, was definitely the best of the three, although the Casillero del Diablo was a great buy. This is the third of the Carmenere wines I tasted this month. The first two left me with mixed feelings about the wine. MORE >>

Lassaigne is not what I would call cult Champagne, like Selosse, but this is definitely Champagne for the Champagne lover. blend of grapes from 8 parcels, this version is 72% 2006, the rest 2005. This bottle is about 90% from 2006, with 80% of that vinified in tank and 20% vinified in used Burgundy barrels. MORE >>

Very tight aromatically, but there are hints of chalky rock and citrus fruit, and there is a definite oxidative character to the fruit. We then enjoyed two wines from the 2005 vintage with my fish soup. 2005 is thought to be a great vintage because, as in most of France, conditions were essentially perfect. But close. MORE >>

Anyway, here are the wines, along with a few notes: 2006 Marcel Lapierre Morgon , $22, Imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant. 2005 Paul Pernot Beaune Clos du Dessus des Marconnets , $23, Fruit of the Vines Imports. The palate is a disaster - way too evolved, no definition, not flawed, but unpleasant. Live and learn. MORE >>