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West County Reine de Pomme
Colrain, Massachusetts
BJCP Category: 27C French Cider
West County Cider <visit site>
42
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[expand]Total Score: 40/50
Smooth acidity from malolactic fermentation results in full-bodied, balanced, buttery notes to aroma and flavor. more >
[close]Total Score: 40/50
Aroma: Buttery aroma up front is a bit assertive. Light fruitiness; not particularly apple-like esters. Little apparent alcohol. No apparent acidity. No farmyard character. (7/10)
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Appearance: Brilliant clarity with rich amber color. Color from the apples used. Sparkling carbonation dissipates rapidly. Very pretty. (6/6)
Flavor: Caramel, buttery notes up front. Chardonnay-like. Sweetness balanced by lingering astringency that gives a somewhat dry finish rather than balanced by acidity. Honey-like notes reminiscent of dry mead with dense, fruity esters. Good balance of astringency, acidity and fruitiness. (19/24)
Overall Impression: Smooth acidity from malolactic fermentation results in full-bodied, balanced, buttery notes to aroma and flavor. While some sweetness remains, the astringency keeps this cider from being cloying and makes this a more drinkable cider. The buttery notes would make this an excellent cider to have with excellent French cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert. (8/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 42/50
The cidery vinegar notes seemed a bit out of place, and perhaps indicate the delicate nature of this beverage, which may have suffered in the cross-continental shipping. more >
[close]Total Score: 42/50
Aroma: Lots of golden apple fruit, with slight vinegar aroma and hint of bacon in the background, suggestive of wood. (8/10)
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Appearance: Deep golden, with orange highlights in a brilliantly clear liquid. A stream of bubbles rises from the bottom of the glass. Not gassy or fizzy. (6/6)
Flavor: Light oaky note, hint of butter and vanilla. Cidery vinegar carries into the flavor, distracting from the apple fruit notes, and shifting the balance a bit. Crisp, slightly astringent finish balanced with a medium body and petillant carbonation. (20/24)
Overall Impression: The cidery vinegar notes seemed a bit out of place, and perhaps indicate the delicate nature of this beverage, which may have suffered in the cross-continental shipping. There was a definite suggestion of oak aging, which lent complexity. A distinctly refreshing session beverage that stands well on its own, or with a classic soft cheese and fruit plate. Perfect for sharing on mid- to late-summer evenings on the deck with friends. (8/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 45/50
Very tasty and well-balanced. It has the fresh dessert apple character that I have come to expect in French ciders, and the flavors explode across the palate. more >
[close]Total Score: 45/50
Aroma: First impression is of fresh apples and pears, with a hint of sulfite in the background. I pick up some mild oaky notes in the background, along with a very slight musty character that recalls walking in the woods after a spring rain. The bouquet also includes some yeast esters and a hint of alcohol. (8/10)
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Appearance: The color is deep gold to copper—unusual for a cider but intriguing. The carbonation is sparkling, though not effervescent, and the clarity is pristine. (6/6)
Flavor: There is an abundance of depth and complexity. The fresh apple flavor is like biting into a dessert apple, but there are enough tannins and acidity to attenuate the sweetness. The oak character is present, but subtle, and has me wondering if this was aged in wood, or whether this is due to tannins from the apples. The finish is moderately dry, first tannin but then ending with a light acidity. (22/24)
Overall Impression: Very tasty and well-balanced. It has the fresh dessert apple character that I have come to expect in French ciders, and the flavors explode across the palate, starting with a little sweetness with the tannins and acidity gradually taking over and ending with a pleasantly dry finish with some woodiness. (9/10) -
[expand]Total Score: 41/50
An unusual take on French cider—has a definitely fruity character and some sweetness but the tannins are a little forward. more >
[close]Total Score: 41/50
Aroma: Moderately sweet, lightly caramelly nose—like baked apples with brown sugar. Inviting, clean and intriguing. Very light acidity. No alcohol. Nothing off. (8/10)
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Appearance: Beautiful reddish-brown color, both pale and deep in character at the same time. Darker than most; makes you wonder about varieties of apples used. Brilliantly clear. A few bubbles remain after an effervescent pour. (6/6)
Flavor: Petillant, a fair amount of tannin, low acidity, off-dry. Aged apple flavor like Calvados. Some initial sweetness but gets drier in finish and the tannins take over. A little minerally. Medium to medium-full body. Apple sweetness plays with tannins in finish—nice. (19/24)
Overall Impression: An unusual take on French cider—has a definitely fruity character and some sweetness but the tannins are a little forward. Unusual dark color. Excellent fruit character—very tasty. After judging, I enjoyed this with a semi-soft Trappist-style cheese (Chaumes) and it worked brilliantly. If a cider pairs well with a great French cheese, then it must be très authentique, non? (8/10)
