Loire Valley reds, a late-winter treat
Some of these wines were staples on Bay Area wine lists well before the last tech boom; others are recent, and welcome, surprises.
2011 Charles Joguet Les Petites Roches Chinon ($22, 13.5% alcohol): The Petites Roches, from slightly more limestone soil and slightly older (35 years average) vines, is Joguet's sweet spot in 2011, although the Cuvee Terroir is perfect for those who lean to Chinon's capsicum-flavored side.
Roches is rich and dark, full of iodine and sweet plum fruit, with clove and smoked Anaheim pepper for depth.
Cabernet Franc's fragrant side in play, with lavender and sage, soft-edged red fruit and a subtlety to its smoky pepper side.
Lots of plummy fruit, plus a bright mineral side, a slight allium note and a smoky tea aspect on the finish.
2011 Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon ($22, 12.5%): The 2011 Baudrys seem to be taking time to find their fruit flavors; they're not underripe, but even in this basic cuvee the vegetal side of Franc is a bit forward - green tea and celery hearts.
Grown on a mix of flint and limestone, and aged in tank, it's a good option for those feeling priced out of the Cote de Nuits.