Basile Saint Germain's Solen 2000

Basil Saint Germain

Juan, owner of La dernière goute, has presented a taste of excellence in French wine making through his now mythic Saturday wine tastings for years.

You can taste those wines you necessarily don't wish to drink, or that are above your means, but keep in mind that when you find a bottle that has the sign of excellence you will return, and buy it. At the same time Juan and his friendly crew offers an unequaled opportunity to learn about wine.

For thousands of years the Languedoc region of the south of France has been known to produce hearty wines since the Romans settled there, making it an ideal wine country.

Basil Saint Germain, trained at the Bordeaux institute of oenology, bought with a partner 8 ha of mostly gravel sand on terraces issued of the "Villafranchien" (while mammoths were still stomping around), in 1994.

This land from a tropical climate, a residue of evolution, has been ideal for certain vintages, like Basil can now prove. He has old vines "vieilles vignes" (Clairette and Carignan) of over 80 years; the new ones take 8 years to get used to the soil and produce bottles of what he could call his children since he gave them names like: Solen, Aurel, Déella. His red wines are made of Carignan, Grenache, Morvèdre, and in some cases Syrah. His only vin blanc - white - Aurel is made of 100% Roussanne.

The 1999 millessime of SOLEN was already a surprising experience discovering a new French wine made in the tradition of "biodiversity" - in other words no chemical hanky-panky. No chemicals in the soil or on the grapes. But the 2000 millessime has the grace and honor to achieve unlimited pleasure and gets me enthused. It's a wine that is hearty, warm, round, nearly has 14° alcohol (don't drive after drinking this nectar!) It is poetic, masculine, full of fruity elements and has, if you wish to continue, unlimited scope for creation. It goes well with lamb, beef and even turbot, fish in sauces, and why not hot red peppers!

The SOLEN 2000 is one of the best wines I've tasted for a long time whose character and charm and warmth and is close to the gods. Basile's clients honor his wine at such excellent establishments as: Lucas Carton, Taillevent, Grand Véfour, Guy Savoy, Plaza Anthènée, George V, Bristol, Ritz, Crillon, Royal Mondeau, Louis XV ... -- need any more proof than this?