2005 Chateau Jolys Cuvee Jean, Jurançon, France

This week’s pick comes from Master of Wine Julian Brind, who recommended the 2005 Chateau Jolys Cuvée Jean.  Julian remarked that this sweet dessert wine “makes a fine alternative to Sauternes,” the best of which can be very expensive.  He noted that the wine “is made from the unusual Petit Mansang grape which produces a beautiful, smooth and rich wine with good acid balance.”  The wine is made  in stainless steel by grapes affected by Boytrytis, but matured in French Oak.   Jurançon is a wine region in the foot hills of the Pyrenees, in the south west of France.

Mr. Brind is one of only 278 Masters of Wine in the world.  The rigorous examination for this prestigious title is given only once a year and lasts four days.  Now retired, Julian most recently worked as a consultant for the British wine merchant Waitrose.

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