I start off the month with an outstanding example from this fascinating region.
Côtes du Jura Fleur de Savagnin 2001 – Domaine Labet, Rotalier – Alc.13%. IIRC Alain Labet during a Brussels tasting told me that this cuvée is made in the non-oxidative style and it certainly tastes that way.
Colour was a quite deep yellow. I would have taken the aromas on the
nose for mature Chardonnay with their creamy fruit and slightly nutty roundness. The
palate was very dry, quite complex and full bodied. On entry and mid-palate the Chardonnay illusion persisted as well as a caressing roundness which gave a slight impression of sweetness. However as the long finish approached, Savagnin’s tangy acidity and nutty undertones started to kick in, then to fan out and amplify leaving a beautifully crisp yet rich after-taste. Excellent 17/20.
There are now two Labet estates; that of father Alain and that of son Julien. Both have good reputations.
I have found a link
http://charlesnealselections.com/wine/j ... ine-labet/ which talks about the Labet estate(s) and the various wines, oxidative and non-oxidative and red and white, on offer there which covers pretty much the diverse and original range available in the region.
I also attach a link to photos giving an idea of the Jura landscape which, as you will see, is very different from that in Savoy, on which I will post when I open a bottle from there.
https://www.google.be/search?q=jura+fra ... 4&bih=550a series o
I hope to open a vin jaune later this month if we can have a suitable pairing. These are made in the oxidative style which allows the development of a veil of yeast, known as voile, similar to flor in the sherry region.
PS French Mountain Wines could also include Irouléguy from the Pyrenees. These also offer some very original flavours in both red and white.