I’ve been enjoying the 2009 wines from Europe, mostly France and loving the richness and depth of flavors. Some 2010 wines have tickled my fancy, but there are many more of those arriving over the next year, or so… And then, sometimes an “older” vintage shows up and, wham! You remember how great certain past vintages are. Take 2007 – a stellar vintage in Europe, especially in France and Italy… I was tasting some wines for possible addition to Harvard Faculty Club’s wine list and came across this gem:

2007 Chateau de Lascaux Coteaux de Languedoc ($14.99 approximate retail)

Dense, earthy nose with black cherry, cocoa and dried herb hints. Full-bodied with moderate acidity and supple tannin – good balance. Cherry, blackberry jam and black currant palate – youthful with mint and licorice notes. Long finish – smooth – tight, showing a nice layered complexity. Drinking well now – should continue to hold for the next 3 to 5 years. Good value.

(I picked up a case at Martignetti’s in Brighton – the current vintage at most shops is 2008)