2007 Oliver Valdiguie

[winophite]

I've read the history of posts on this grape and Oliver winery apparently acquired fruit or must and has made their first public offering (first I've seen),this past summer. Out of curiosity I picked one up in a variety case during a summer concert at the winery, and now today I've tried it.
Wow on the first sip, odd fruity explosion.

A big fruity burst on the nose at cork pull.
A shade of violet more like dark red plum, somewhat transparent brighter violet at the rim.
Nose is a musty blackberry/mulberry, with earthy component.

First sip up front is an applesk with a silty feel when left at the front, immediatly replaced with a quick, intense green grass/hay at the back (totally bypassing the middle) when swallowed and leaves a little grass on the berryfruit covered lip. The middle comes back in with more berry fruit flavor from the sides and on the tounge providing a multiple lap finish which gets back to a lightly bitter green at the end. very different to me. I think a high acidity seems to help balance the green, but also seems to give a heat in the belly, although only 13% alc.

After 30 min, nose is minimal, the grassy taste falls a little and the fruit bomb comes out stronger. Still, too green for my tastes. Prefer the Beaujolaise Villages for a fruity sort of drink.

Perhaps the green flavors would integrate more if given some time This seemed disjointed to me.

WP