Southern Rhone Tasting at Wine Watch

Bilbo says, even as Gandalf is still taking off his hat, "... tea - or maybe something a little stronger? I've got a few bottles of the old Wineyard left! 1296, very good year - almost as old as I am! It was laid down by my father. What say we open one?"

Lord of the Rings

The Southern Rhone is one of the best value areas of the world of fine wines today.   I can't think of another part of the wine world where you can buy Biodynamically or organically grown grapes that they make into wines that cost under $15 per bottle and that score in the (90+point) range on a regular basis.  I am talking about the Southern Rhone and more specifically Cotes du Rhone, which is the leader in value in France and the rest of the world if you like medium bodied reds that have a lot of fresh berry pie like fruit and hints of herbs and exotic spices.

At the generic level, the official AOC Côtes du Rhône region stretches 200 km from Vienne in the north to Avignon in the south and from the foothills of the Massif Central in the west to the fore-slopes of the Vaucluse and Luberon mountains east of the town of Orange.   There are a total of 171 communes in the French departments of Ardèche, Bouches du Rhône, Drôme, Gard, Loire, and Vaucluse are concerned with production from the 83,839 (2008) hectares of vineyard, making this appellation larger than both Burgundy and Champagne but still quite smaller than the most famous wine region in France Bordeaux. 

The smaller regions south of Chateauneuf du Pape are the best values in terms of higher level wines and Vacqueyras and Gigondas can usually be found between $20 and $30 that is approaching the quality of some Chateauneuf.  But the best wines in the southern Rhone still carry the title of Chateauneuf du Pape (the new house of the pope) and because of this AOC's fame they were the first area to strictly regulate production and became the first AOC in France demanding that the wines carrying this label not only be grown in this region but the winery also lie within its boundaries to prevent fraud.

Tonight we will experience over 30 different wines from the Southern Rhone valley From Cotes du Rhone to the famous Chateauneuf du Pape with everything in between, Gigondas, Vacqueyras and more...

Wine Watch Catering's Toni Lampasone will be making a few small courses to accompany the tasting wines.  This tasting is a walk around event in the courtyard at Progresso Plaza and we can accommodate approximately 50 people for this event.  The price for this tasting is $35 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463

Southern Rhone Tasting at Wine Watch
Wednesday, February 6th
7pm

 

Tasting Line-up:

 

Stacole

Pesquie “Terrasses” Blanc 2011
Price: $15.00       Sale $13.20          Case $153

A blend of  70% Viognier, 15% Roussanne, and 15% ClairetteTerrasses literally means "terrace" and evokes the vines cultivated in terraces on the slope of the Ventoux. It is also a reference of the various terraces in the Chateau Pesquie garden. The vineyard is Southern-facing and at an altitude of 750-900 feet. Farming: sustainable, age of vines: 30-60 years, aging: stainless steel tanks

 

Domaine Roche Côtes du Rhône-Villages Cairanne 2009
 Price: $19.75      Sale $17.38          Case $202

(91 Points)  Ripe and rounded, boasting a very juicy core of violet, plum and boysenberry fruit enlivened with a hint of pastis. The nicely grippy finish is fleshy and integrated, with a lingering hint of blueberry fruit for added complexity. Drink now through 2011. 300 cases imported. –JM  Wine Spectator, Issue: Oct 15, 2010

 

St.-Cosme Côtes du Rhône 2011
Price: $13.75       Sale $12.10          Case $141

(90 Points)  A mouth filling core of plum sauce and blackberry paste is backed by charcoal and anise on the finish. Solid, direct, pure and driven. Drink now. 12,500 cases made. –JM  Issue: Oct 31, 2012

 

Pesquie “Quintessence” Rouge 2010  
Price: $24.00       Sale $21.12          Case $245

Paul and Edith Chaudière started this cuvée in 1990 and chose the name "Quintessence" to highlight the concentration of these wine essentially made of Syrah and the careful selection of most of the best plots of the Estate. Indeed, such a name implies extreme rigor, and not every vintage can achieve a Quintessence!
A blend of 80 % Syrah and 20 % Grenache selected from quite old vines (40-50 years as an average).   Nose: spices, red and black berries, floral notes. Mouth: spicy, garrigues and cherry notes.

 

Domaine La Garrigue “La Cantarelle” 2010 
Price: $30.00       Sale $26.40          Case $306

A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah from 80+ year old vines, this is a spectacular vintage in the southern Rhone and even wines like this will age for up to a decade or more in your cellar!

 

St.-Cosme Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009
Price: $55.00       Sale $48.40          Case $561

(95 Points) This is a powerhouse, with roasted bay, sage and tobacco leaf notes running through the layers of dark plum, blackberry compote and roasted fig fruit. The long, almost unbridled finish flaunts muscle, coated with ganache, while a note of hot stone lurks in the background throughout. Best from 2013 through 2030. 830 cases made. –JM  Wine Spectator, Issue: Oct 31, 2012

 

 

Transatlantic

2009 Delas "St-Esprit" Côtes du Rhône
Price: $12.50       Sale $11.00          Case $128

(90 points)  Delas Freres has produced two other outstanding sleepers of the vintage, and both wines dramatically over-deliver for their appellations. The brilliant 2009 Cotes du Rhone St.-Esprit is the best Cotes du Rhone I have ever tasted from Delas. Seventy percent Syrah, twenty percent Grenache and the rest Carignan and Mourvedre, this wine comes primarily from the Cotes du Rhone village of Cairanne. The wine has great fruit and a sweet raspberry and black cherry nose with some herbs, licorice, and pepper. Aged all in tank, the wine is medium to full-bodied and possesses sweet tannin as well as a long finish. (10/ 2010) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

 

Delas Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009           
Price: $49.50       Sale $43.56          Case $505

(91 Points)  "The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Haute Pierre (65% tank-aged Grenache and 35% barrel-aged Syrah) boasts a dense ruby/purple color along with sweet notes of roasted meats, new saddle leather, espresso, cassis and black cherry jam. This classic, full-throttle Chateauneuf du Pape can be enjoyed over the next 15+ years. "  The Wine Advocate

 

 

Florida Wine Company

2009 Terre d’Avignon Cotes du Rhone
Price: $15.00       Sale $13.20          Case $153

The growing success we have enjoyed over the last three vintages is proof enough that the KL Côtes du Rhône fits both the taste profile and quality standards that our customers have come to expect. Since 1929, this winery has been bringing local vignerons together from the outlying areas of Avignon in the Southern Rhône to produce delicious wines that epitomize the region’s complex terroirs. Kermit works closely with winemaker Jean-François Pasturel to develop the blend. Pasturel is thrilled to be able to have the chance to produce a Côtes du Rhône he does not have to filter to death. It is his tête de cuvée, his pride and joy. 2009 CDR- 47% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 11% Cinsault, 7% Carignan Gigondas fruit. Very rich, spicy, and garrigue with good structure.

 

2009 Cypress Cuvee Cotes du Rhone
Price: $16.50       Sale $14.52          Case $169

Louis Barruol is an indefatigable force in the Rhône. He is the fourteenth generation in his family to be making wine in this sixteenth-century domaine in Gigondas. On what was once the site of a Roman villa, Louis’ cellars show spectacular remains of old, Roman vinification vats carved into the limestone. Together, he and Kermit blend our Cypress Cuvée (Rouge) and Sunflower Cuvée (Blanc) from his own vineyards. Louis selects the best parcels he can find, and then Kermit shows up and either has a cuvée bottled unfiltered, or he blends to find the assemblage that satisfies his esthetic criteria. This Vintage is 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache from vineyards mainly around Vinsobre.

 

2010 Domaine de Durban Beaumes de Venise Rouge
Price: $19.50       Sale $17.16          Case $199

Domaine de Durban may be best known for its sweet white Muscat de Beaumes de Venise, but fans of this peachy wine, as well as lovers of Cotes du Rhone rouge in general, should do themselves a favor and become acquainted with the red made at Durban. It is everything fine Cotes du Rhone rouge should be: fruit forward with spicy and warm notes from Grenache, with soft tannins and a bright finish hinting at violets. Delicious with food, this low acid red is also lovely all on its own.

 

2010 Domaine Gramenon L’Elementaire Cotes Du Rhone
Price: $28.75       Sale $25.30          Case $294

From importer Kermit Lynch: "The seemingly reserved façade of Michèle Aubèry-Laurent melts away quickly when she speaks about her wines. As a former nurse (who often favored natural remedies), she has come to treat her vines with the same care, conviction, and passion as she had for her former patients. She and her husband, Philippe, bottled their first vintage at Domaine Gramenon in 1990..[Since her husband's tragic death in 1999, Michèle has taken the helm, and in doing so she has taken the domaine to cult status.] The Laurents use gravity-fed cuves and age their wines in oak demi-muids and foudres. That they take such gutsy risks as bottling old-vine fruit with so little sulfur, without fining or filtration, only demonstrates the lengths they will go to in order to highlight the freshness, purity, and intoxicating aromas of their small, rare production." This cuvee is Grenache, from vines aged 45 years.

 

2010 Domaine Gramenon Sierra du Sud Cotes Du Rhone
Price: $33.75       Sale $29.70          Case $345

(91 points) Wine Spectator: "Dark and very winey, with lush fig sauce, pastis and boysenberry fruit wrapped with blueberry cobbler and fruitcake notes. Long and rich on the finish. with lavender and rosemary notes adding an extra dimension. This has lots of character, along with the stuffing to last a few years. Syrah. Drink now through 2013." (11/11) The seemingly reserved façade of Michèle Aubèry-Laurent melts away quickly when she speaks about her wines. As a former nurse (who often favored natural remedies), she has come to treat her vines with the same care, conviction and passion as she had for her former patients. She and her husband, Philippe, bottled their first vintage at Domaine Gramenon in 1990. Since her husband's tragic death in 1999, Michèle continues to make fantastic wine. She and her family use gravity-fed cuves and age their wines in oak demi-muids and foudres. That they take such gutsy risks as bottling old-vine fruit with so little sulfur, without fining or filtration, only demonstrates the lengths they will go to in order to highlight the freshness, purity, and intoxicating aromas of their small, rare production. Unlike most of this estate's wines, which are Grenache based, this is Syrah, from vines aged 15 to 35 years. Very concentrated and most delicious. 14% abv.

 

2009 Chateau Husson Chateauneuf du Pape 
Price: $37.50       Sale $33.00          Case $383

 Located in the town of Courthézon, Château Husson comprises 3.5 hectares of red Côtes du Rhône, 6.5 hectares of red Côtes du Rhône Villages, 2.5 hectares of white Châteauneuf-du-Pape and 8 hectares of red Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The vines are grown in the areas known as Les Saumades, Duvet Ouest and Les Saintes Vierges. Château Husson was purchased in 2008 by Anne and Jean-Pierre Hugues who recognized the potential of the estate and immediately renovated the cellars in addition to planting a new parcel among the old existing vineyards (primarily old Grenache

From 35-40 year old vines that reside on the chalky-clay terroir of the estate on the ‘Les Saumades’ parcel. Aged 12 months in cuve beton (concrete). Alcohol: 14.5%.  Les Saumades Châteauneuf-du-Pape has a deep red color. The nose combines very ripe small red fruit and spice notes. On the palate, good balance between fullness and tannins, with a surprising fresh finish.

 

 

Southern Wine & Spirits

2011 JL Colombo Cote Du Rhone “Abeille” Blanc                  
Price: $13.50       Sale $11.88          Case $138

A blend of Viognier, Clarette, Rousanne and grenache blanc, a lovely nose of pear and fresh lycee nut fruit on the nose with perfumed white floral notes.  Fresh and clean on the tongue with notes of wet stones and white flowers and light white pepper spice.

 

2010 JL Colombo Viognier “La Violette”                        
Price: $17.00       Sale $14.96          Case $174

Winery Notes: The color is a brilliant light straw. Aromas of intense acacia, yellow peaches and exotic fruits. On the palate the wine is very elegant and harmonious. Its freshness allows the fruit to fully develop. A seductive wine to be enjoyed with appetizers and hors d'oeuvres.

 

2010 JL Colombo Syrah “La Violette”                                  
Price: $12.75       Sale $11.22          Case $131

Grapes are sourced from 30-year-old vines in the clay and limestone soil near Gignac in the Languedoc region.  Color: A deep and beautiful dark purple color
Aroma: The nose is reminiscent of herbs from Provence – thyme, rosemary – and ripe red fruits  Taste: Round and well-structured with an elegant balance and a long and lingering finish

 

2010 JL Colombo Cote Du Rhone “Abeille” Rouge             
Price: $13.50       Sale $11.88          Case $138

(85 Points)  Rounded and forward, with friendly cherry, toasty vanilla bean and candied plum notes. Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now. 60,000 cases made. –JM Wine Spectator Issue: Aug 31, 2012

 

2009 JL Colombo Chateauneuf Du Pape                       
Price: $51.75       Sale $45.54          Case $528

A blend of 1/3 Syrah & 1/3 Grenache & 1/3 Mourvèdre from 50-year-old vines.  Thyme, rosemary and other herbs typical of the “garrigue,” or Mediterranean scrubland Taste: Ripe fruit and licorice mingle with smooth tannins, and culminate in a long, impressive finish.

 

2009 Vidal Fleury Cote Du Rhone Blanc                                              
Price: $18.00       Sale $15.84          Case $184

J. Vidal-Fleury was founded in 1781 making it the Rhône Valley's oldest, continuously operating winery, grower and negociant. In much more recent times, this historic estate has been under the leadership of the estimable Guigal family. And things have been on the upswing ever since. This is Viognier, and boy is it pretty, with minerals aplenty and sweet apricot notes with a dry, inviting finish. Great with salads.

 

2009 Vidal Fleury Cote Du Rhone Rose                                          
Price: $15.75       Sale $13.86          Case $161

Winery Notes:  The wine is deep pink with orange highlights. On the nose, the wine is immediately intense with mineral, fresh nuts, red currant and rose aromas. On the palate the wine is medium bodied with good acidity and notes of minerality and red frutis; good length on the finish.

 

2009 Vidal Fleury Cote Du Rhone Rouge                                            
Price: $15.75       Sale $13.86          Case $161

Brilliant garnet red color. Red fruits and spices on the nose. The mouth reveals rounded tannins (thanks to the stay in the oak barrels), a warm and full-bodied wine with an uncommon and lasting aromatic intensity. The proof that Cotes du Rhone can be a serious and elegant wine.

 

2010 Vidal Fleury Chateaneuf Du Pape               
Price: $50.75       Sale $44.66          Case $518

A blend of Grenache 85%, Syrah 10%, and Mouvèdre 5%.  Appearance: deep and dark ruby red. The nose is a mix of fresh fruits sherry, strawberry and prune with spices like pepper and nutmeg. Then rosted flavours complete this first nose.
The palate : the freshness makes the starting, then the coated tannins of the Grenache lengthens the wine in the mouth. The fatness and the "sucrosité" make a greedy balance with acidity and tannins. The fruity flavours dominate, strengthened by spices and roasted cacao.

 

 

Premier Beverage

2010 Famille Perrin Reserve Cotes Du Rhone 
Price: $12.50       Sale $11.00          Case $127.50

Another wine not to miss in this less expensive category is their Perrin 2010 Cotes du Rhone Reserve. There are nearly 200,000 bottles of this wine, and to reiterate, the Grenache comes from their estate in Grand Prebois (which represents 50% of the blend), the Syrah from their holdings in Vinsobres, and the rest from St.-Gervais and other estates where they have contracts to purchase grapes, not finished wine. This is a beauty - deep ruby colored, with lots of berry fruit, tobacco leaf, and licorice as well as hints of mint and kirsch. A super introduction to the southern Rhone, this beauty should drink well for another 3-4 years. (10/ 2012) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

 

2009 E Guigal Cotes Du Rhone
Price: $15.75       Sale $13.86          Case $ 161 

Winery Notes:  Deep and dark red. Shiny. Fresh fruits with red berries and spices on the nose. The palate is full, round and racy. Rounded and smooth tannins. A full-bodied, rich and intensly aromatic wine. Overall, full with a long finish and plenty of elegance and finesse due to the well balanced tannins and fruit.

 

2010 Perrin et Fils Vinsobres Les Cornuds
Price: $22.50       Sale $19.80          Case $230

(91 Points) "Dense and layered, but very refined, with a violet note stitching the crushed black cherry, steeped blackberry and anise flavors together, while an iron note adds range to the finish. Drink now through 2018."  Wine Spectator

 

2009 Tardieu Laurent Vacqueyras Vieille Vignes
Price: $42.75       Sale $37.62          Case $437

(93 Points) "Of the three village offerings from Tardieu-Laurent – the Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes, the Rasteau Vieilles Vignes, and the Gigondas Vieilles Vignes – the 2009 Vacqueyras has the most fat and corpulence and is the most vivid and purest expression of Grenache. It is a 10- to 15-year wine.  The Wine Advocate

Menu:

Sausage Meatball with Mushroom Tomato Ragout

Honey BBQ Pulled Pork Spring Roll with Wild Berry Compote

Eggplant and Roasted Bell Pepper Caponata on Savory Ciabatta Crostini

Pork and Leek Dumpling with Sweet Soy Dipping Sauce

 

This tasting is a walk around event in the courtyard at Progresso Plaza and we can accommodate approximately 50 people for this event.  The price for this tasting is $35 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463

ompany the tasting wines. This is a walk around event and the fee for this event is $35 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463.