Lighter Menetou-Salon red caps more ambitious Reuilly

2007 Domaine Leblanc, Menetou-Salon

Over the weekend I had two Central Vineyard 2007 reds – La Commanderie , Reuilly from Jean-Michel Sorbe of Brinay and Domaine Leblanc from Jacques Leblanc of Aubinges, a hamlet a little to the south of Morogues.

The 2007 La Commanderie (9.9€) was picked by hand with a yield of 35 hl/ha. It is Jean-Michel Sorbe’s top red cuvée, the straight domaine (6.90€) is machine picked. It showed well at the tasting (19th December), although I thought the tannins were a little harsh. With this second bottle this was confirmed and have the wine a rather rustic feel. – too ambitious for its own good in this difficult vintage.

2007 La Commanderie Reuilly, Jean-Michel Sorbe

In contrast the lighter and less ambitious 2007 Domaine Lebanc Menetou-Salon – machine picked, 52 hl/ha – had attractive red fruits, easy and refreshing to drink although surprisingly higher in alcohol (13.4%) than the Reuilly (13%) and was a good match with skate and garlic chips.