Now we’re headed to the Southern Rhône and more specifically one of our favorite “Cru” appellations; the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, which may feature up to 13 sanctioned varieties as part of its blend, though it’s commonly dominated by Grenache and Mourvèdre. These blends can lead to delightfully complex and balanced wines.
This particular wine is medium ruby with notable tearing. On the nose and palate, we’re finding black cherry, blackberry, fig paste, prune; also black licorice, anise, cardamom, graphite, grape seed, leather, tobacco, meat, garrigue, and forest floor notes.
Overall this wine has a dried fruit and earthy, spicy/savory expression. It’s complex, balanced, and intense. The tannins are firm and grippy. The alcohol is high (15%). This wine has the bone structure to continue aging but is a pleasure to drink now.
According to @winespectator 2015 was a great vintage for late-ripening varieties in the Southern Rhône, as it was sunny, warm and dry through July, leading to reds that are “rich, ripe and full of powerful fruit.” 🎯
Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Choregies 2015. — 3 years ago
Notes of cigar on the nose and dry fruit on the palate. Full bodied @ 15% and at below €20 it’s far superior to some of the over priced and over rated appellations in Bordeaux — 3 years ago
A toast to the “Unification of Italy.” A light garnet red tapering to burnt orange on the edges. Aromas of black cherry and red currants. Hints of orange with a spicy pepper. The palate is dry and bright with a complex mix of flavor. The Sella family’s history in Lessona region began in 1671. This is one of the smallest village appellations in all of Italy with a mere 23 hectares of land under vine. The success of this region is the Pliocene sandy, marine-influenced soils. These deposits of marine sands and fossil shells provide the mineral cocktail which enhances Nebbiolo with a bright energy. — 2 years ago
Fortunate enough to taste this lovely wine 11 years after its vintage and it was singing. #napa #pnv Only 5 cases produced. “This wine showcases our 200 acres of estate vineyards by using a blend of the five classic Bordeaux grapes from five landmark Napa Valley appellations. Deeply fruited and elegantly structured, this wine combines nuance and power for a classic bottling. Our Premiere Napa Valley bottling showcases rich texture and deep complexity. Aromas of ripe blackberry, Bing cherry, clove and star anise leap from the glass and balance a dense palate of black plum, cassis and toasty cocoa with a smooth finish framed by dusty tannins.
Aging Process
20 months in chateau style French Oak Barrels
Wine Facts
pH: 3.7
Wine is unfiltered
Sustainably produced” — 3 years ago
One of many Cru Bourgeois from Haut-Medoc. I do believe they are “leading the pack” among Bordeaux appellations. — 4 years ago
Blend of Mourvèdre (about 75%) and Grenache with a splash of Cinsault and Carignan in this ripe and spicy wine from one of smallest appellations in France. Deep Ruby with aromas of ripe black fruits and floral spice. On the palate flavors of plum and black currant with black pepper and herbs. Lively tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit and spice. Nice value! — 2 years ago
Tasted & immediately looked up what I had bought, $50.00 but so worth it.
K&L notes,
This is no cheap rosé, it's true. But consider, for a minute, that this is no simple quaffer of a pink wine. It hails from Palette, one of the smallest appellations in all of France. It is, in a sense, a sort of Provençal monopole, since Château Palette owns nearly all the acreage in this tiny 23-hectare zone. Their vines are old, too. In some cases, more than 100 years old. The red grapes are the usual suspects for this part of France: Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah with small amounts of Cinsault, Carignane, and other local varieties. But at Simone, they translate into a rosé unlike any other. We're talking power here, and a certain something serious. The rosé is fermented in small foudres and is then racked into barriques and left on the lees until the following spring. Rich with raspberries and herbs, this mouth-filling rosé holds onto its natural acidity, as it does not undergo malolactic fermentation thanks to the very cool cellars of this historic chateau. This wine costs as much as many reds. Fortunately, it has the concentration and complexity to go along with the price. Serve it with serious food and be prepared to broaden your appreciation of what rosé can be.
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— 3 years ago
Love this wine! Pale ruby, gorgeous color. A great representation of a lovely Burgundy wine without spending for the higher-end appellations. Aromas and flavors of raspberry, strawberry, red cherry with gentle vanilla and cedar. Medium acid, medium tannins. It's a beautiful wine on its own, but paired wonderfully with smoked ribs. — 4 years ago
Ericsson
Made famous by a documentary, this is hundred percent Coombsville cab. Biased as I have my favs there but this is good. Cheers. — 6 months ago