Doug Powers

9.1

From goblet-trained old-vine Clairette in Lirac (vineyard was “planted before 1870) on a hill overlooking the Rhône on the west side of the river, this lovely white wine shows honey and minerals, also some very nice acidity to balance, Clairette (which I adore) rarely shows the more viscous textural notes I get from southern Rhône Blancs that are mostly Roussanne and/or Marsanne (the latter mostly found in the northern Rhône), very good finish, lovely wine!!
I have actually walked this vineyard (6 years ago), the gnarled old vines are a pretty cool sight!! — a day ago

with Jim

Doug Powers

9.1

Lovely dark fruit aromas and flavors, made with ALL the permissible grapes (10 red, 5 white) in the southern Rhône, rich and nicely balanced, medium-long finish, really fine Côtes du Rhône!! — a year ago

with Jim

steph s

8.9

The nose threw me off initially... like cheap perfume... but it's actually a great mellow white... and the nose improves — 2 years ago

Peter Coulthard

9.0

Far better than the 2014. Solid fruitiness to it, slight hints of leather, Oak and tobacco. Very enjoyable. — 6 years ago

Doug Powers

9.3

Really lovely Lirac, Grenache and Syrah show mostly, the proprietor (Rodolphe des Pins) (in my opinion!!) dragged his feet too long in joining the Lirac appellation, but his wines have LONG been undervalued and are fantastic at their pricepoint, I personally have more bottles of this, which I expect to age well!! — a month ago

with Jim

Karen Tripson

9.0

Great drinker! — 7 months ago

Paul T HB

9.4

This was even better on day 2 Notes from K&L, 88-acre estate, Château de Montfaucon sits just across the Rhône River from the esteemed vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is owned and operated by Rodolphe de Pins, a UC Davis graduate and former member of the winemaking staff at Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe. Over the years, Château de Montfaucon has developed a HUGE following among both our staff and customers.The vines for the Mme la Comtesse vineyard were planted in the 1870s (that's not a typo). These old gnarly vines with their highly restricted yields produce some of the richest most concentrated Clairette in the entire Rhône Valley. Planted on a mix of sand, clay and pudding stones, this wine is the essence of sleek minerality. A touch of barrel fermentation adds volume and structure. The flavors resonate with ripe stone fruit flavors and white flowers, a touch of fennel pollen rounds out the finish. This reminds us of Château de Beaucastel's Châteauneuf Vieilles Vignes Blanc which sells for well over $100 a bottle. This is just as limited and just as cool for under $50. — 2 years ago

Doug Powers

9.1

[40% Marsanne, 35% Clairette, 20% Grenache Blanc, 5% Picpoul] White peach, wildflowers, and ripe lemon aromas and flavors, tart and crisp, good balance, lingering finish, very fine Lirac blanc!! — 4 months ago

with Jim

Doug Powers

8.9

Lovely Tavel-style Rose, medium-rich, nice acid and balance, medium-long finish, very good!! — a year ago

with Jim

Ginger Carden

9.1

The 2012 is lovely! — 5 years ago

with Jarrod