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Review: 2011 Jaja by Maison Bleue - Yakima Valley


Maison Bleue is a family-owned winery dedicated to the production of terroir-driven wines from designated vineyards and appellations located across Washington State. They focus primarily on Rhône varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, Marsanne and Viognier, as well as Chardonnay.  Jon Meuret-Martinez, owner and winemaker of Maison Bleue Family Winery has had a long affection for Rhône wines. He realized that this is where he would start Maison Bleue Winery and his lifelong focus of Rhône-style wines.

"A highly regarded producer of Syrah and Grenache."- Jancis Robinson, MW

Color: Garnet
Nose: Earthy mushroom with black fruit compote, slate, carnation perfume, cola.
Palate: Medium body, fluid, earthy, dry currant, white pepper, more acid than tannin, with blueberry on the medium-short finish. At opening a pleasant, easy to enjoy red wine. After 30 minutes acid and tannin balanced out, tart core with fruit fleshing out the rest of the palate. At 45 minutes the nose was cola and perfume, the palate dark fruit, spice, herbs with a dry, gratifying dark fruit finish. After an hour this was an aromatic, easy sipping wine, still food worthy too. Recommended.

Thoughts: A lighter bodied red wine, at the price I paid this is a no-brainer for dinner or a party. It made friendly with the beef stir-fry I cooked for dinner. Yes, a food wine, it whetted my appetite so I had to eat while reviewing - I was craving beef Lumpia the entire time. Bring some Jaja to the next party and some food, your family and friends will thank you. I have to get down to their new Walla Walla tasting room and visit. On my list (such a long list).

"Jaja" is southern French slang for a great, everyday wine.

Blend: 43% Syrah, 35% Mourvedre, 22% Grenache
AVA: Yakima Valley
ABV: 14.1%
Closure: Natural cork
Production: 1,200 cases
Released: May 1, 2013
Purchase price: $15.99

Maison Bleue Family Winery
Tasting Room Address:
20 N. 2nd Avenue,
Walla Walla, WA  99362
Thursday-Sunday 11:00-5:00 p.m.
www.mbwinery.com

I first met Jon at the 2012 Taste Washington Seattle. It was a pleasure to enjoy his wine at home.

Cheers!
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