Unti Vineyards
Cuvée Foudre Dry Creek Valley Grenache Blend
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
On the pop and pour, this bottle was a little out of sorts with the slightest prick on the tongue of effervescence. It needed about an hour of air but it was singing after that. On the nose, it was actually quite exotic with red and dark brambly fruits, black pepper, sandalwood and Middle Eastern spices. On the palate it was more red fruited with anise and black pepper. The finish was quite enjoyable, last at least half a minute. By the last glass, this had become very well balanced and there is plenty of structure to last the next handful of years and perhaps longer. Based of this experience, I would say it reminds me of a really good Côte du Rhône-Village or Vacqueyras. It just falls a touch short from the depth I usually associate with Chateauneuf du Pape of Gigondas.
On the pop and pour, this bottle was a little out of sorts with the slightest prick on the tongue of effervescence. It needed about an hour of air but it was singing after that. On the nose, it was actually quite exotic with red and dark brambly fruits, black pepper, sandalwood and Middle Eastern spices. On the palate it was more red fruited with anise and black pepper. The finish was quite enjoyable, last at least half a minute. By the last glass, this had become very well balanced and there is plenty of structure to last the next handful of years and perhaps longer. Based of this experience, I would say it reminds me of a really good Côte du Rhône-Village or Vacqueyras. It just falls a touch short from the depth I usually associate with Chateauneuf du Pape of Gigondas.
May 5th, 2020
A grand wine. Needs air, smells a touch reduced. Surprised by the assertive tannins. Hold on to this if you can. A luxury cuvée for sure. Kind of bummed I opened it this young.
A grand wine. Needs air, smells a touch reduced. Surprised by the assertive tannins. Hold on to this if you can. A luxury cuvée for sure. Kind of bummed I opened it this young.
Dec 24th, 2015
Pretty but rather light, linear and faded, lacking the chewy complexity and length of finish I'd expect. I'm generally a fan of Unti but this one is not quite as impressive as a Cuvee Foudre should be.
Pretty but rather light, linear and faded, lacking the chewy complexity and length of finish I'd expect. I'm generally a fan of Unti but this one is not quite as impressive as a Cuvee Foudre should be.
Feb 15th, 2020Wow. Very Rhone-like, from CA. Lots of structure but starting to unwind nicely. Quite a value.
Wow. Very Rhone-like, from CA. Lots of structure but starting to unwind nicely. Quite a value.
Dec 26th, 2016Beautiful big well structured wine with blackberry and brambly notes with a hint of black licorice and cedar undertones. This wine can age for another decade or more.
Beautiful big well structured wine with blackberry and brambly notes with a hint of black licorice and cedar undertones. This wine can age for another decade or more.
Apr 24th, 2016
In a long list of great wines from Unti, this is easily the finest we've had. Fantastic balance and structure, long finish of black currant skins - without being overpoweringly fruity. A tour de force. Reminder to self - do not open the other bottle for many years!
In a long list of great wines from Unti, this is easily the finest we've had. Fantastic balance and structure, long finish of black currant skins - without being overpoweringly fruity. A tour de force. Reminder to self - do not open the other bottle for many years!
Nov 28th, 2015
I am circling back on this wine. Had it a while ago, good then and good now. Unti to me had always made great wine that I enjoy drinking. Still showing nice tannins and the fruits and spices have not faded. If you have not tried Unti you owe it to yourself to do so.
I am circling back on this wine. Had it a while ago, good then and good now. Unti to me had always made great wine that I enjoy drinking. Still showing nice tannins and the fruits and spices have not faded. If you have not tried Unti you owe it to yourself to do so.
Nov 11th, 2015Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre = Rhone blend (a Kelci fav)
With Kelci, Casey and Harmony. At Unti. 10/18/15
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre = Rhone blend (a Kelci fav)
With Kelci, Casey and Harmony. At Unti. 10/18/15
