Will George be number 7? Heck, Nobody’s Perfect! (See below for links to what these mean.)
Mark and I recently participated in a Zoom session with two small Bordeaux wineries, Chateau de Monfaucon and Chateau George 7. They are unique in that the prolific women behind them made their ‘what’s next?’ happen- each built their operations from the ground up, literally.
Sally Evans came to the south of France 25 years ago where she raised her boys and enjoyed a successful marketing career prior to establishing Chateau George 7 in Fronsac on the right bank. She produces an indulge yourself wine, a sip and savor wine, and releases her first vin blanc this year.
George 7 is Sally’s grand vin and 2018 is her first release, which was awarded 94 points and a silver medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2020. This 100% Merlot needs time to open up then softens into a fruit, spice and herb bowl that pairs super with a chocolate cookie (if there’s any left at the end of the meal)!
Dawn Jones-Cooper came to Bordeaux by a dare-choice, purchasing a small vineyard in 2005 then occupying the Génissac, Entre-deux-Mers property full-time just a few years ago. At her pure white wine estate she produces lower alcohol varietal wines, blends, and a sparkling wine. She does this organically and utilizing biodynamic principles.
Pétillant is not a typical Bordeaux Crémant. This primarily Sauvignon Blanc blend, with Semillon and Muscadet, rested on its lees for two years (versus a Crémant just nine-months). In the glass it has super fine mousse and delicate, smooth bubbles. So fresh with green apple, lemon and hints of bread dough , and just 11.6% abv. I whipped up trout rillette to nibble on while chatting yet this would also be superb with sashimi, oysters, and grilled vegetables, to name a few.
Although they came to Bordeaux via different avenues, these ladies bonded over their non-wine commonalities (they’re both from the UK) and a desire to make sustainable wines for immediate drinking.
Without any doubt, they have both hit their stride.
While I’ve written articles about both ladies (links below), each time I listen to one or the other speak, I glean more about the story behind the label, what motivates them, and what makes them tick.
Each hold the Wine and Spirits Education Trust Diploma and Jones-Cooper is a viticulture and oenology graduate from Plumpton College.
Mark and I had such a super evening on the webinar last week I would be remiss to not share they are doing it again on Thursday, February 18th at 6:30pm CET / 11:30am ET.
They will chat with you about their journeys and go behind the label of three wines:
- Monfaucon Estate Pétillant – 2016
- Monfaucon Estate Nobody’s Perfect Sauvignon Blanc – 2018 (a beautiful take on this grape!)
- Château George 7 – 2018 100% Merlot
While you presently cannot get these wines in the US, you can still participate to learn more about both ladies and their wines. Simply contact Dawn Jones-Cooper or Sally Evans.
Click here to learn more about the February 18th event.
To learn whether George will be number 7, click here.
And finally, click here to learn why Nobody’s Perfect!
You can read more about each and their wines in the following articles:
- A Fresh New Approach in Fronsac: Chateau George 7
- Biodynamic Bordeaux – Nobody’s Perfect but the wine is fabulous
Santé!
What a great story about two courageous women living their dreams – and traveling a common path! I’m interested in the next Zoom session so I’ll check out the details. Thanks for sharing your notes, Lynn. That Cremant sure sounds delicious!
Even though you can’t get the wine, I hope you’re able to join the session, I know you’d enjoy hearing the stories and learning more about the wines! I’ll bring a bottle of the Cremant to Delray next time I make a trip. Hoping it’s safe to do so the end of this year. Thank you for stopping by Lauren!
To call these two women inspiring would be an understatement. Though many of us dream of following our passion, they are doing it! Never easy and we hope we can tune in on the 18th…thanks for these two fantastic introductions through this and recent article.
No doubt Allison! And in Jane Anson’s new book, Inside Bordeaux, she calls Jones-Cooper “…ballsy…” to do what she did. I hope you can tune in on the 18th too. I know you both would enjoy these ladies!
Sounds like so much fun! Thanks for a glimpse of what you and Mark have been up to. I wish these, and some of the other wines you share were available in the States. But knowing about them gives me something to dream about. And I can always share them with folks like Darrell and Rick at Corti’s or some of my buds at Total Wine. Never know when one will show up.
Yes, you never know Richard. It’s about finding an importer interested in smaller organic producers. My fingers are crossed for you!