December 28, 2019
Southern France Wine Meetup!
1. 2010 Xavier Vins Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Anonyme X
The powerful, rich 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Anonyme reveals an off-the-chart level of extract, lots of glycerin (nearly 16% natural alcohol) and copious black cherry, blueberry, forest floor, lavender and graphite characteristics. Rated 95+ The Wine Advocate (WA)
2. 2015 Domaine Giraud Premices Chateauneuf-du-Pape
From the younger vines of the estate (which range from 10-to 50-year-old-vines) and 100% Grenache, the 1,000-case 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Prémices is a perfumed, elegant, sweetly fruited effort that has lots strawberries, framboise, licorice and crushed flower-like aromas and flavors. It’s a polished and seamless as they come, and a seriously good effort. Rated 92 WA
3. 2015 Chateau de L’Ou Secret des Schistes Côtes Catalanes Roussillon
Saturated black in color, the 2015 IGP Côtes Catalanes Secret de Schistes is reminiscent of Manfred Krankl’s SQN Syrahs with its deep, unctuous, layered profile. Cassis, chocolate, licorice, smoked herbs and ample minerality all emerge from this full-bodied, sexy beauty that just begs to be drunk. Possessing ripe tannin, a stacked mid-palate and a great finish. Rated 96 WA
4. 2014 Department 66 Grenache Grenache IGP Cotes Catalanes
A blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and a splash of Carignan, the 2014 Cotes Catalanes Grenache D66 IGP spent ten months in roughly 30% new barrels. This inky colored, downright sexy 2014 offers terrific notes of blueberries, blackberries, violets and chalky minerality. Big, concentrated and textured, this beauty will drink well for a decade. Rated 93 WA
5. 2014 Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Gigondas Rhone Valley - blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and 15% Syrah
Charcoal-edged grip from the get-go, with roasted alder & savory notes forming a robust frame around the chewy-edged currant, plum & bitter cherry paste flavors. The long, dark, smoldering finish lets the woodsy & herb accents stride through. Rated 92 Wine Spectator (WS)
6. 2009 Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvée de Mon Aïeul - 100% Grenache
"Another wine that got better & better over the evening was the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul. I've drunk through my fair share of bottles of this over the past few years. It has never shut down and has always shown well. A ripe, forward and sexy wine, it has lots of kirsch, garrigue, exotic spice and floral notes to go with a ripe, concentrated feel on the palate. It certainly has the vintage's Provencal character and is an exuberant, hedonistic Grenache to enjoy over the coming 10-12 years." Rated 95 WA
7. 2014 Chateau de Sources Costieres de Nimes 80% Syrah - 20% Grenache
A blend of Grenache and Syrah. Pure and complex, cherry aromas with subtle peppery and flinty notes. On the palate, the dynamic and velvety body fills the palate and reveals notes of black fruits, dried herbs and pencil lead. The fresh & fruity finish is heightened by mineral notes and fine tannins. An outstanding value! farmingdale.stewswines.com
8. 2013 Closerie de l'Arène Côtes du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde AOP - blend of blend of Grenache, Syrah & Carignan
Closerie de l'Arène is unoaked, allowing all the sun-soaked, red-fruit characters to shine through in the glass. Decant into a jug or pitcher an hour before serving to reveal its expressive aromas of ripe berry, pepper & trademark wild herbs. It will be extra delicious with roasted red meats. vinovations.us