We pulled this from our cellar and brought it to V. Mertz for dinner. We enjoyed a couple of other wines as aperitifs and then ultimately did what anyone given the opportunity should do: pair it with lamb chops. We poured it into a decanter while we enjoyed the conversation and opening courses. Given the setting, there were no formal notes however, I can confidently report that the 2015 “Tintot” absolutely slaps. From the first sip to the last, it was all balance, power and class. It was also a spectacular showcase for Mourvèdre. It was hard to fully judge color because the lighting was so low but it appeared to be nearly opaque. A touch feral with a slightly gamey element to it but there’s a great big ol’ basket of black and blue fruits with red and purple flowers, garrigue, some black pepper and cedar chest. Structure is still quite firm but totally enjoyable. While this is an unusual assemblage for the region, it still comes across as a wine from Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This was my first “Tintot” and it has left quite the impression. Drink now with an hour decant or over the next 7-10 years. P.S. it probably goes without saying, but the pairing with lamb chops was sublime. — 2 days ago
Typical CdR presentation with a lithe and round palate profile. Finishes sweet and rich. Big-time buy at the right price. — 2 days ago
A new style for me.
Nose: meaty, savory, saline…almost some onions. Bagels. Onion bagels??! Mexican food?!? Wow, the Mexican food images really sticks, now I keep smelling tacos…
Taste: heavy, peachy, grapey, sweet onions and herbs, white flowers, honeysuckle, vanilla…almond, apricot. Long finish. I don’t drink a lot of white wine, so my experience (and vocabulary) are both limited here…and I can’t decide if I love it or hate it- it is funky compared to what I am used to…but very complex, and clearly well made stuff. I’ll go 90! — 2 days ago
Sweaty Animals? Yes please
DAY 1
👃Complex. Distinctive. Amazing. Charcoal, pepper, sweet dark cherries, smoke, barnyard, sweaty animals, earth, garrigue & violets
👅Full bodied. Complex. Balanced. Purple/red fruit, thyme, licorice & pepper. Silky. Finishes with mod+ tannic pull. Delicious
Note: With time in the glass the nose and palate lost some focus and animation. Still drinking well but probably lost 2-3 points
The remaining wine was Slow Decanted in my refrigerator
DAY 12
Slow Decanting this wine did not improve this wine. Just as with Day 1, letting the wine aerate resulted in less intensity. The wine did not develop any faults and was still a very nice glass. It just wasn’t the firecracker it was on first pour
Verdict: A fantastic wine. It was best as soon as it was poured on Day 1. I would not decant this wine or give it extra time in the glass.
Question: I have noticed this with many CdPs in the past. They do not do well with aeration. And it seems particularly true of wines with more structure. Anyone else notice this? — a day ago
Some berry notes but with an earthy base.. very nice wine. — 9 days ago
Ruby, purple edges with aromas of red berry fruits and herb notes. On the palate flavors of ripe blackberry and raspberry with dried flower, licorice and spice. Firm tannins on medium finish ending with a herb mineral fruit character. Drink now no aging benefit. — 6 days ago
Quite dense and dark. CDP blend of Grenache (65%), Syrah (15%) and Mourvèdre (10%) with the balance being made up of small amounts of just about all of the grapes that are permitted. Intense aromas of black fruit with hints of coffee, graphite and beef jerky. Black plum/raspberry/berry fill the pallet with hints of dark chocolate, black licorice and spice. Silky tannins, solid depth and very long finish. Full bodied and muscular, but nicely balanced. Thank you for sharing, Kase! — 8 days ago
Ivor
Completely shut down and hollow on opening. Thought it was an off bottle. But after a few hours the wine made a comeback to become a perfect southern Rhône with the ‘intense 16 fruits, underbrush, minerality and leather.. This one will hold an improve. — 8 days ago