Le Fou, Pinot Noir, VdP '08, available through a number of Independants, £8+

'Le Fou' is French for 'the Madman', and refers to the producer for attempting to grow Pinot so far south in the Languedoc.

The label promises plenty of sweet and luscious fruit, suits me Sir.

What I got was the slightest hint of candied, ripe fruit followed by a bruising dryness that dominated through to the finish. I found this unbalanced overall, there's a decent savoury edge but the wine lacks finesse and I would bet against most people identifying this as Pinot during a blind taste. Will give it another go tonight.

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Yep, Im still here.

Oh, Ugh ! You do want that super ripe Clos Toulmin.

Damn it. You may get a bit more depth tonight, but if it's quite savoury on 1st opening, it ain't goin to sweeten up none 24 hrs later.

Sorry, but the mini bit of that pinot black cherry sweet leaf mold undergrowth lushness you want is going to be r r r r r retreating overnight.

You might get something else which is ok with grub - look on the bright side.

We're going to have to have one at Mel's when she's up for it. My treat, see ya

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Duncan

My glass is held aloft....

Pinot, Pinot, wherefore art thou Pinot?

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Yep, Im still here.

This was much better the second night, softer, rounder, the fruit more approachable and the acidity much brighter. More like a fruity cab franc than pinot.

I quite like it now

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Yep, Im still here.

That's handy, I'm also now.

Bruising dryness - like furry franc that is not ready then, Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil on release on a damp & cool vintage springs to mind ! Opening aged it quite a bit then.

Weird wood treatment could have caused that effect.

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Duncan

It must have been those garlic eclairs I ate before opening the bottle.

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Yep, Im still here.

wild garlic and a mars bar on the plot

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Duncan

Ooo !



Hey GK - Eh wotz this ?

Gud nuze on that 14 quid Chablis monopole for a fiver. Ha ha - Defrost to get a dose of attitude !

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Duncan

Nothing to do wiv me guv.

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Yep, Im still here.