I snuck this bottle into the flight of CdPs as a bonus offering from my cellar. Frankly, I was more curious than anything as I thought it could be old and tired. But if it wasn’t, I wanted to make sure the special moment could be shared. A special moment it most certainly was. The 1989 is vinous and mostly tertiary with predominate notes of mushrooms and forest floor while the mixed berry fruit set was more baked and dried. This not only held fast throughout the night, it showed some spring in its step as the hours went by. If I’m using wine as a metaphor, this is yet another reason to respect one’s elders. Often there are stories to be heard so it’s careless to dismiss. Stop and listen and you could gain some wisdom. A brilliant wine and a lovely pairing with cassoulet, Toulouse sausage and duck confit. Drink now through 2029. — a month ago
From the producer of the excellent Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this Côtes-du-Rhône Villages has notable depth of flavor and excellent balance of smooth tannins, medium acidity and complexity of fruit. Strawberry, blackberry, black cherry, leather, garrigue (wild thyme and lavender) and a subtle meaty note. It’s like a restrained CdP. 70% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 10% Syrah. For about $20 it’s a good value — 2 months ago
Excellent paired with French cheeses ( Fourme d’Ambert, pavé de brebis, fromages de chèvre de Normandie et d’Anjou). Had the 2017 vintage in July 2023. — 9 months ago
Soepel, fruitig, licht, pepertje — 2 months ago
This is a very good value for a classic GSM Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Well balanced, with good acidity, plush tannins and bright red (strawberry, red currant) and black fruit (blackberry, black cherry). There is already a welcome note of garrigue (wild thyme and lavender) and a hint of leather. What prevents it from scoring higher is a medium finish from toned-down intensity. For that added level you need to go for the top-tier (and excellent) Les Cailloux! — 2 months ago
Smooth, cherries, Provably over the hill. — 7 months ago
Mark Rosse
Same notes as last bottle. Great cork too! — 21 days ago