French 'Yellow Tail' ??

Memo to all French Wine Makers:

Please don't try and produce another Australian-style Über-fruity wine

I understand the motivation, and I agree with label simplification.  However, your wine's style need not mimic the ubiquitous new world fuity-bombs.

Case in point:
The Red Bicyclette brand of wines (imported by EJ Gallo).  Cute labels; easy to understand.  Yet not much personality in the bottle.  How about a fun-labeled brand of French wine that actually tastes as if it's from somewhere in France
(like the Rhone valley)?

The Skinny
Red Bicyclette Merlot '03 ($9)
Ruby-purple in color
Scents of Hi-C, Hawaiian Punch and fruit cocktail Marschino cherries
An explosion of fruit in the mouth, with a little sweetness, almost no tannin and a very brief finish
** (2 stars out of 4)

Nice label idea.  Less nice wine-style idea. :(

Comments

[Kar]

I served the Red Bicyclette Syrah for Thanksgiving Dinner(after reading the review in the December edition of Wine Enthusiast) and thought that it tasted really great - all of my guests agreed.

[Sarah]

I am absolutely in love with this wine! It was our wine of choice all summer long here at the plaza ( a little oasis in western NC), both with the experienced wine enthusiasts, and the newbies! I would recommend it to anyone...and everyone!

[Rose]

I highly recommend the Red Bicyclette Syrah. Don't get me wrong, I am the first to turn my nose to a poor attempt at wine, however, based on my experience I prefer to keep my glass half full of Red Bicyclette! The syrah was such a pleasure that I am looking forward to the Merlot.

[velo electrique]

Ha ha ha!