I was unimpressed with the 2003s from Gramenon, and none of them could be recommended. The 2004 seems to be a move toward a return to form for Aubrey Laurent, who lost her husband (who was also the winemaker) in a hunting accident in 1999. The wine reveals good, crisp acidity, plenty of sweet cherry fruit, with a dusty, earthy personality, good body, and intensity. The most floral, elegant, and complex is the 2004 A. Pascal. This wine is meant to be drunk over the next 2-3 years as it is not terribly deep, but it exhibits sweet fruit and floral notes, tart acidity, and medium body. An Alain Corcia Selection, various American importers, including Charmer Industries, NY; tel. (718) 726-2500, Southern Wine and Spirits, CA; tel. (510) 487-3332, Premier Wines, CA; tel. (510) 237-6284, and Calvert Woodley Wines, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 966-4400
Published: Feb 23, 2006