Originally posted November 21, 2010.
A NOTE FROM THE FUTURE: I completely forgot this existed. But oh my, was it good. It’s time for the Jura to make a come back! Or… given that the Jura never went away, it’s time for me to refocus on that region and make an effort to sell more of it.
Jacques Puffeney Vin de Paille 2003 375ml (Arbois, Jura, France)
This stuff is so good, you’ll want to beat your head against a wall and rip off your arms. You’ll want to counter the intense pleasure with some serious pain…hence the arm ripping and head banging. It’s made from the same Savagnin grape as the Jura’s more famous Vin Jaune. But in this version, those grapes are laid out on mats to dry (or maybe just in boxes.) This concentrates the sugars, resulting in a sweet wine that brings to mind sweet and savory notes of walnuts, brown sugar, maple syrup, and some sort of spice. If that sounds rich, it is – but that richness is balanced by a sneaky spine of acidity that prevents even a hint of anything cloying. Yes, it’s expensive. But it’s delicious and tastes like absolutely nothing other than Vin de Paille. If you’re feeling spendy, it’s well worth a few bruises and an arm or two. Seriously.
Price: $77.99