Cinsault

Turley

Bechtoldt Vineyard Cinsault 2022

Haven’t had a Turley in years, and this is good. Fruit leather on the nose, with very soft, light berries on the palate. Low acidity. Subtle minerals, herbs and spice. Overall dry, with some sweetness. Hint of thyme. Light-bodied (12.5% abv) with clear ruby color and pleasing tannins. Medium-long finish. — 14 hours ago

Brian, Raul and 1 other liked this

Domaine de la Chapelle

Saint-Victor Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Rosé 2022

Another solid vintage of this consistently good Provence Rose’. This vintage’s blend is Grenache (50%), Cinsault (30%) and Syrah (20%). Light pink in color with some lavender highlights. Fruit forward aromas of strawberry, watermelon, red flowers and lemon zest. Same fruity flavors with additional notes of peach, orange, and minerals. Touch of white pepper on the tart finish. Crisp, refreshing and clean with a faint hint of sweetness. Nice balance of acidity and alcohol (12.5%). Thanks for sharing, Chris B! — a month ago

Paul and Bob liked this

Château d'Esclans

Whispering Angel Côtes de Provence Rosé Blend 2023

One of the best roses I have drank. Clear and elegant taste. Long fruity aftertaste. — 2 months ago

Lee liked this

Château Musar

Bekaa Valley Red Blend 2011

It’s 10 years since Serge. Hochar’s death whilst swimming in Acapulco on NYE 2014 and I think it’s appropriate to celebrate his legacy that is the modern Chateau Musar.
I first tasted Lebanese wines in London circa 1986 when I used to go to a couple of Lebanese restaurants in Shepherds Market near Mayfair in London
Al Hamra is still in business
I’ve been to Beirut several times and always stock up at the airport duty free
So a toast to a departed icon of the wine world
Since my last 2011 4.5 years ago (see note) this has aged wonderfully and I’ve up my rating several points
Another few years and it will be further improved
Optimal decant time was around 3.5 to 4 hours
Ethereal stuff
— 3 months ago

ESF, Bob and 1 other liked this

Domaine Tempier

Bandol Rosé Blend 2018

The same Tempier game - deep, textbook, best at cellar temp for nuanced aromas and weighted viscosity.

2018 is losing its fruit, at the end of the window where hints and dried versions of fresh fruit and spices still hang around.

Dried orange peel, grapefruit, peach, and soft red melon and furry raspberry.

— 11 hours ago

Vanessa, Jay and 7 others liked this

Château de Pibarnon (Comte de Saint Victor)

Bandol Rosé Blend 2022

Needs air. Better at 60° than 50. Bitter Aperol quality. Viscous. Orange blossom, guava, kiwi, apricot, and gravel. Alcohol stands out a bit. Likely just needs more time. — 2 months ago

Tom, Andrew and 4 others liked this

Château de Saint-Cosme

Gigondas Red Rhone Blend 2015

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of dinner which lasted a couple do hours. The 2015 pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of powerful ripe red and dark fruit: black brambles, dark cherries, black pepper, boozy Christmas fruitcake, licorice, garrigue, leather and rocky earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with sneaky medium+ tanning that build with air. The acid is there too although I wouldn’t call it the main character. It does, however, play a strong supporting roll. Definitely a wine of texture. It has been a handful of years since my last bottle of the 2015 and it’s evolving very nicely! Secondary flavors are starting to show and everything remains balanced. Extended air did get it to freshen up a bit so I’d say this still has a long life ahead. Drink now with a healthy decant and through 2035. — 2 months ago

Pooneet, Daniel and 19 others liked this

Domaine Tempier

Bandol Mourvedre Blend 2022

Deep purple in color; black cherries, blackberries, and wood smoke on the nose; medium plus acidity; high tannins; tastes like black plums, blueberries, wet slate, and a hint of black pepper with a really long finish. — 18 days ago

Boekenhoutskloof

The Chocolate Block Cinsault Blend

Is so good, finish test of chocolate and vanilla. Love it — 3 years ago

Château Musar

Hochar Père & Fils Bekaa Valley Red Blend 2020

Ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Fruity on the nose, and medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with nice complexity and a soft mouthfeel.

Showing plums, red currants, cherries, earth, black coffee, light wood, spices, tobacco leaf, dark chocolates, black tea, bitter herbs and peppercorn.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This 5 year old Cincalt /Grenache blend is already drinking nicely. Complex and interesting. Spicy and soft.

Elegant and fruit forward with nice compliments of the earth notes.

Needs 3 hours in the decanter to open up properly, so be patient.

Easy drinking and elegant. Would be interesting to try it again in 5 years.

A blend of 50% Cinsault, 40% Grenache and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in French Oak barrels for 6 months.

14% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$40.
— 2 months ago

Tom, Daniel and 19 others liked this