Côtes Du Rhône, Southern Rhône
M. Chapoutier
Belleruche Côtes-du-Rhône White Rhone Blend 2020
Light gold color. Aromas and flavors of peaches, quince, tangerine, white flowers and minerals. Medium bodied with a bit of heft. Slightly oily finish. Elegant and nicely nuanced. — 10 days ago
Domaine de la Charbonnière
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2018
Domaine de La Charbonniere Chateauneuf du Pape 2018 $45. Ruby with aromas of red berry fruits, oak and sweet spice, blend of 70% Grenache and 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre. On the palate flavors of raspberry, cherry and blackberry with hints of oak, leather, vanilla spice and black pepper. Aged in oak the wine was complex and elegant with smooth tannins, long spicy finish. Nice! — 14 hours ago
Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes
Les Choregies Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2015
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. — 7 days ago
Domaine du Pegau
Cuvée Maclura Côtes du Rhône Red Rhone Blend 2019
Still a baby—needed time in the decanter. Biting tannins, dark fruit, fig, a touch of smoke. Insane for the price. — 7 days ago
Domaine du Pegau
Cuvée Réservé Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2014
Popped and poured. The 2014 Pegaü “Cuvée Réservé” appears a deep ruby in the glass with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity. The nose is funky cherry, bruised strawberry, barn yard, stone fruit, brambles, garrigue, spiced meat, and damp forest floor. There is a touch of VA but it’s on the charming side. On the palate the wine is dry, with significant structure still. In fact, I feel as though the structure is showing more than I recall from earlier experiences. The fruit is generous but more red fruited than usual. Fresh and juicy with a long finish. Awesome. Still another 10 years in this, easy. On the lighter side for Pegaü, thanks the 2014 vintage, but still a stunner. — 6 days ago
Ericsson
Rhône white of Grenache Blanc, with some Viognier, Marsanne, Rousanne with deep floral notes. Fresh, and easy drinking. — 8 days ago