Domaine Giraud Prémices Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011
Oh my. The nose on Domaine Giraud’s Prémices Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011 is unapologetically lush and even downright sensual with layers of blackberry reduction sauce, smoky plums, mesquite, Tahitian vanilla bean, and anise. It’s equally immersive and voluptuous on the palate, layers of black fruit are beautifully delineated against a structure that suggests good aging potential, balanced […]
Saint-Damien Gigondas 2012
The 2012 Saint-Damien Gigondas is seduction in a glass. A walled-in garden of lilacs and lavender, huckleberries, dried mint and dusty earth that offers both concentration and finesse. There is ample structure here, amid velvet layers of ripe plum, subtle gaminess, iron and ox blood and a lovely black pepper note on the finish. Accessible […]
Le Sang des Cailloux Vacqueyras 2012
Le Sang des Cailloux Vacqueyras has long been a favorite of mine. The 2012, however, is admittedly too young (a condition complicated by my lack of a wine cellar where I’m currently staying). On the upside, delicate floral notes of lilac and violets lend a softening note to an otherwise masculine wine. There are, too […]
Rene Rostaing Côte-Rôtie Côte Blonde 1998
The epitome of old-school Côte-Rôtie, the 1998 Rostaing offers up an ever-evolving kaleidoscope of aromas: smokey bacon fat and animal notes at first, followed by sweet violets and steeped blackberries. It’s quite lean on the palate, with ultra-fine, well integrated tannins—a mark of maturity—underpinned by high acidity and gamey-green notes of dill and green peppercorn, […]
Campuget Costières-de-Nîmes Rosé Tradition de Campuget 2014
The 2014 Château de Campuget Tradition Rosé 2014 offers a slightly earthy and wild cocktail of aromas, something akin to red forest berries, rhubarb and dusty spice. This Rhône-style blend of 30% Grenache, and 70% Syrah, sports a concentrated, translucent carmine robe, though somewhat lighter-bodied than expected, fleshed out by notes of cranberries, tart cherries, […]
Château de Trinquevedel Tavel Rosé 2013
Continuing with my exploration of rosé wines, is this charming not so pink from Château de Trinquevedel, a cranberry-hued blend of 56% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 10% Clairette, 4% Syrah, 4% Bourboulenc, 3% Mourvedre and 3 % White Brenache. Enchanting aromas of linen and dried cherries, followed by Queen Anne’s Cherries, blood oranges, and watermelon with […]
Domaine Olivier Hillaire Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Petits Pieds D’Armand 2012
From the famed La Crau lieu dits—but from the western end of the parcel. Rounder, silkier tannins from the sand-heavy soils standout in this substantive wine. Gorgeous, layered notes of black cherry, game, roasted coffee, bay leaf, and savory herbs can be found on both the nose and palate. The finish is gratifyingly lengthy and […]
Four La La’s: La Landonne, La Mouline & La Turque at La Balena
I have, in recent past, promoted and sold Guigal’s single-vineyard Côte-Rôties, La Landonne, La Mouline and La Turque (affectionately known as the La La’s) to fans and collectors all over the United States. An invitation to taste these wines is not something to pass up, an event made even more special considering the vintage—all three […]
Tardieu-Laurent Hermitage Blanc 2008
I’ve tasted Tardieu-Laurent Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and fell in love—the 2008 Hermitage blanc sports a nose of buttercream frosting, soft orchard fruits, orange marmalade and toasted hazelnuts. Round, silky and decadent, it’s showing nicely now. There is a delicious interplay of oak and acid, fruit and toasted but notes. We served this with pan seared scallops and […]
Château La Nerthe Cuvée Des Cadettes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2000
Layer upon layer of rich, heady aromas waft from the glass. Boysenberry and black raspberry, dried cherry, leather, dusty earth and roasted meat. This voluptuous Châteauneuf graces the palate with superb depth, balance and concentration in equal measure. Tannins are fine and well-integrated and it culminates with notes of black currant, herbs de Garrigue, lavender, crushed […]