Review: Wines of Domaine Bousquet, Fall 2022 Releases
Review: Wines of Domaine Bousquet, Fall 2022 Releases
Over the last few years, we have covered Domaine Bousquet’s brisk and expansive headway into the U.S. market, and this fall’s offerings look to build on the consistently enjoyable results we’ve had in the past. This time we have a look at their Reserve selections, selected from low-yield plots promising to offer more flavor and body than other selections in its expansive portfolio. Let’s see if this is indeed the case.
2021 Domaine Bousquet Reserve Certified Organic Malbec – A blend of 85% Malbec, 5% Merlot, 5% Syrah, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 10 months in French oak. An interesting twist on a classic Malbec profile where the spice leads and the darker fruit follows on the nose. There is a hefty offering of Christmas spices and oak on the initial approach, which diminishes while blackberry takes its sweet time rising to the top. Medium tannins and bright acidity frame the dark fruit on the palate quite nicely, with oak influence making its presence felt on the somewhat short finish. After reviewing the 2018 Gran Malbec last year, I went out and purchased an additional two bottles to see how time enhances their character. It very well might be time to repeat the process. I think there may be more here than meets the eye. A- / $18 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
2021 Domaine Bousquet Reserve Certified Organic Cabernet Sauvignon – A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Malbec aged for 10 months in French oak, and the Malbec adds some density extending beyond a regular Cabernet. Ripe strawberry and softer notes of vanilla work together harmoniously, with black currant and floral notes providing excellent accompaniment to medium acidity and mid-length finish. It requires a bit of patience to evolve from bottle to glass, but the delivery is well worth the reasonably short wait. This one is a most welcomed guest at loud and long dinner parties or quiet nights with friends. A- / $18
2021 Domaine Bousquet Reserve Certified Organic Chardonnay – Light and full of peach and lemon notes punching throughout, with a generous dose of lime zest on the palate. Well-balanced with the lightest touch of oak to enhance the light acidity and short finish. Adventure-seeking Chardonnay fans may not find anything challenging or complex, but this is a solid selection with signature chardonnay characteristics that will start the evening off in good form. B+ / $18
2021 Domaine Bousquet Reserve Certified Organic Malbec
$18
