Lesson Plan

Gabriel Meffre

"St. Mapalis" Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône Villages Red Rhone Blend 2023

Gabriel Meffre ‘Saint Mapalis’
Côtes du Rhône Villages – Plan de Dieu AOC,
GSM Blend (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre)

A textbook Rhône blend with soul and structure. From the historic Plan de Dieu terroir, this well-balanced GSM opens with enticing aromas of blackberry, earthy undertones, and a whisper of garrigue.

On the palate: Lush layers of black fruit, liquorice, and subtle spice carry through to the finish. The texture is soft, round, and delicate, yet the wine still shows the distinctive Rhône character you’d expect from a higher-tier cuvée.

Mouthfeel: Polished, silky, and balanced, ready to drink now with no need to wait.

Value alert: Punches well above its price point, tastes like it should cost twice as much.

A perfect match for grilled meats, herbed lamb, or a cozy night in.
Cheers to Rhône elegance without breaking the bank!
— 9 hours ago

Ted liked this

Mouressipe (Alain Allier)

Plan-Plan Syrah 2021

Black fruit, spice, open — 2 years ago

Aravind, Iwan and 2 others liked this

Penfolds

Bin 389 South Australia Cabernet Shiraz 2002

4 left after this one. Following my plan of having one per year until complete. This has not changed much from 12 months ago. At its peak sitting on the plateau. Notes of dark chocolate, mocha and blackberry - the Penfolds DNA in essence. Tastes a lot younger than 20 years of age. Medium plus bodied with a savoury twist at the finish. 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Shiraz. — 3 years ago

Tom, Shay and 24 others liked this
Ron R

Ron R Influencer Badge Premium Badge

I feel earlier vintages in late 90’s and early 2000’s were very strong in terms of QPR. I don’t buy this any more as I consider it too expensive (in the US) for the experience.
Jamie Lauder

Jamie Lauder

Totally agree with you. Back in the day it was affordable.
Still enjoy drinking it.
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

Yes Ron, sadly that seems to be the experience with all of Penfolds Cuvées. I remember at the Downs Club we sold 2 pallets of the 1990 Bin 389 (still drinking well today) for $12.50 per bottle.

Domaine Saint-Damien

Plan de Dieu Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Vieilles Vignes Red Rhone Blend 2022

On the nose, this is subtle cranberry... On the palate, it's cranberry, cherry, red plum... Dense tannin here but no sharp edges... A tinge on graphite here too, but in the distance... The whole package seems soft... Not so complex overall. Medium-long length on the finish. Nice. — 4 months ago

Anita Beishuizen
with Anita

El Coto de Rioja

Crianza Rioja Tempranillo 2019

It is a dark wine, one which lets very little light pass through. The nose displays more fruit than oak, which is a good sign if you plan to chill it and serve it outside. Blackberry, raspberry, cassis, anise all shine brightly, with light notes of clove and cinnamon. The palate is clean and fresh, with the dark fruit taking a bow. The tannins are maybe a little firm for an outdoor meal under the sun, but the acidity is brisk and refreshing. — 2 years ago

Paul, Tom and 3 others liked this

Domaine Bernard Baudry

Les Granges Chinon Cabernet Franc 2019

one of my all time favorites, this time i tried to pair it with pizza and penne vodka and it turns out that was the completely wrong pairing! didn’t quite click but that’s ok, lesson learned. — 4 years ago

Ira, Pooneet and 2 others liked this

Château Saint-Jean

Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône Villages Red Rhone Blend 2019

Good concentration. Jam mixed with black fruits and cherry. Sweet and spices. Good match with spicy Chinese food. Chateau Saint Jean Plan de Dieu @, , 241004 — 9 months ago

Justin Dutraive

Plan B Beaujolais Gamay 2021

More rosé than red, very refreshing when served ice cold. — 2 years ago

Ely liked this

Gerbelle Didier

Vigne Plan Valle d'Aosta Petit Rouge 2016

Valle D’ass funk — 4 years ago

Alex, Senator and 3 others liked this