2009 Fontenil vs. 2009 Joanin Becot

[JimHow]

I've never had either of these wines before tonight. The Fontenil is clearly the class of the two, a big wow on the nose, but the Joanin Becot is the "fun" wine, higher alcohol, 75% merlot, Mouton purple bubbles. The Fontenil will age for a decade, the Joanin Becot you should buy a case and drink it over the next two years. Two tasty wines, I'll buy more of each, especially at the low $20s price for each at PJs.
Fontenil: 92 points.
Joanin Becot: A delicious, voluptuous 90 points.
( I believe these scores are about what He Who Shall Remain Nameless rates them, by the way,but I can't disagree just for the sake of disagreeing.)

[OrlandoRobert]

Looks like Jimbo is going modern again . . . .

[JimHow]

Fun mid-August Bordeaux wines!

[Chasse-Spleen]

Sounds good! Looks like Jim is still a big PJ's fan.

[JimHow]

Indeed, Chasse!
Most recently I've gotten some very nice reasonably priced 2009s there.

[Nicklasss]

Jim, I don't want to break your bubble, or attack your credibility, but these are two right bank wines, in the 2009 ripe vintage, one is made by Rolland, and you liked them. And less expensive too. Kinda bad for a LeftBank lover/defender...

But thanks for reporting.

Nic

[JimHow]

The sacrifices I make for you guys.

[OrlandoRobert]

Jim, I don't want to break your bubble, or attack your credibility, but these are two right bank wines, in the 2009 ripe vintage, one is made by Rolland, and you liked them. And less expensive too. Kinda bad for a LeftBank lover/defender...

But thanks for reporting.

Nic

I think Jeff Leve stole Jimbo's password!!

[Nicklasss]

Impossible OrlandoRobert. I think Mr. Leve rarely drink wines of that (low?) price.

Nic

[AlohaArtakaHoundsong]

With a safe house in Manhattan, you'll be on a first-name basis with Mr. PJ in short order.

[JimHow]

They have the 2010 Cantemerle en futuro for $39.97 right now, that seems to be a good price.

[Nicklasss]

But Jim, you won't like the 2010 Cantemerle, If you adored the 2009 Fontenil.



Nic

[Jeff Leve]

Jim, I don't want to break your bubble, or attack your credibility, but these are two right bank wines, in the 2009 ripe vintage, one is made by Rolland,
Nic

Nic and Jim both wines have Michel Rolland influence. Rolland consults Joanin and he owns and used to live at Fontenil.

Impossible OrlandoRobert. I think Mr. Leve rarely drink wines of that (low?) price.

Nic

Knowing Mr. Leve, I beg to differ He tastes more small wines, publishes tasting notes and has profiles on more small Bordeaux chateaux than almost any professional writer. You can for example read about Fontenil and Joanin Becot, see images on those and other value wines: http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/bor ... ons-guide/

[OrlandoRobert]

I have to acknowledge Leve is right. His website is loaded with value plays. I think Becot is even one of them!

[JimHow]

2009 Fontenil and 2009 Joanin Becot are $25.97 and $24.97 respectively at PJ's, if anyone is interested.

[Nicklasss]

I'm sorry Mr. Jeff Leve, but you drink some wonderful wines, that I'm forgetting to check what lower price Bordeaux you're sampling.

And Jim, these are really good prices, Fontenil is not available here. Joanin Bécot isn't either...

Nic

[OrlandoRobert]

Jeff -

I was reading through that list of value wines you linked. I am familiar with most of them, and years ago drank them by the boatload. Not sure if my palate has shifted as I have aged or the wines have become more modern, but I have stopped buying many of them (not commenting on quality, just a palate preference). Are any on your list more old world in style, say like a Lanessan? Less oak, less alcohol, more red fruits is what I seek. Enjoyed a 2001 Lanessan last night. Lovely stuff.

BTW, not on your list, but you do a nice write-up on your website, is Mathilde. This is a modern style, dark plummy St. Em. that I enjoy very much. For you readers, it's old vine merlot, some of it 50 year old vines, matured in large oak barrels for only 8 months then early released. Alcohol oak in check, drinks quite fresh. At $20-$22 USD, it's a great QPR:

http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/bor ... r-morange/

Really strong years: 2005, 2009 and 2010. Not as highly rated, but drinking with a bit more maturity (complexity) is the 2008.