Chartier Créateur d’Harmonies wines

I had the opportunity to taste over the last two years few wines made by François Chartier, a well-known sommelier, an author of many wine guides (still have many copies at home and these did influenced the buying of my first cellared worthy bottles many years ago…), for his wine and pairing, for his recipe books made after years of research with renown chefs and wine producers from all over the world.

But what about the wines? I must admit that at first I doubt about them, being quite overwhelmed by the labels on the bottles and the marketing machine behind the wines. But every time I’ve tasted his wines, I was always gladly surprised by them.

From his Tuscan blend tasted blind with some friends, to the Spanish white I had during last Grande Dégustation de Montréal and not forgetting the rosé wine tasted along more than 20 other wines, I did enjoyed them every single time.

Now having his latest release in my hands, here is my first “official” tasting note on one of the Créateur d’Harmonies wine:

Chartier Créateur d’Harmonies Fronsac 2012

Dark ruby color. Nose of smoke, dark berries, bay leaves, earth and pepper. Smooth on the palate but still stands up in a great showing with a spicy finish. Good flavors of berries, earth, mushrooms and just a touch of grilled Bell peppers. Good+ (88)

Made in collaboration with Bordeaux’s native winemaker Pascal Chatonnet, this wine is a blend of 86% merlot, 10% cabernet franc and 4% de cabernet-sauvignon. Aged 12 months in 1 and 2 years old oak barrels. Alcohol level of 13,5%

Available in SAQ stores for 19,45$ (Code SAQ : 12068070)

François Chartier’s website: francoischartier.ca

The sample was proposed by Trialto: trialto.com

Here is a video from François Chartier explaining the winemaking behind this wine and giving his thoughts on how he wanted it (French only):