Southern Rhône Blend
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The 2013 Pic Saint Loup Coste d’Aleyrac is a blend of Syrah (50%) - Grenache (40%) - Carignan (10%), kept for 12 months in concrete tank. Spice, dried mushrooms, red currants, white pepper are just some of the notes here, and on the palate it is medium-bodied, softly-textured and plummy, with easy-going character and refreshing finish. Enjoy it now and until 2017, pair with grilled sausages with mashed potato, poultry in a cream sauce, or charcuterie.
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Owners of the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate Château de Beaucastel, the Perrin family also run a négociant business, making – among others – our own-label Côtes du Rhône. The Perrins have added their not inconsiderable skill to the already outstanding 2015 Rhône vintage and have crafted a delicious wine for our Own Selection range.
Based on Grenache, with Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault in support, this is as rich, spicy and indulgent as it is pure, focused and linear. Ripe red-berried fruit holds court with exuberant self-confidence, imbuing a real sense of joie de vivre.
Based on Grenache, with Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault in support, this is as rich, spicy and indulgent as it is pure, focused and linear. Ripe red-berried fruit holds court with exuberant self-confidence, imbuing a real sense of joie de vivre.
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Julian Faulkner has brilliantly managed an awkward vintage and, with a little wine-making magic, has made a rosé aromatic with lime blossom from equal parts Grenache and Cinsault, with a little Carignan and Mourvèdre for avoirdupois. A medium-weight, fruity rosé with a lovely citrus lift.
Mark Pardoe MW - Wine Buyer - Apr 2017
Mark Pardoe MW - Wine Buyer - Apr 2017
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Rémi Pouizin formerly made wine at his father’s property, Domaine la Fourmente, just outside Visan. Now he has branched out on his own with Domaine Dieu-le-Fit and bought a magnificent 19th century château in the heart of the village. He has also secured biodynamic accreditation for his vineyards, though these essentially remain the same. The essence of the excellent Domaine la Fourmente still remains, albeit a little improved, plus a new, divinely inspired name.
From the excellent 2015 vintage, Native is a blend of concrete-aged Grenache and wood-aged Syrah and Mourvèdre. The Grenache’s silky tannins enrobe a pleasing dark-fruit core, with myrtle and red cherry both in evidence on the palate. Drink now to 2023.
From the excellent 2015 vintage, Native is a blend of concrete-aged Grenache and wood-aged Syrah and Mourvèdre. The Grenache’s silky tannins enrobe a pleasing dark-fruit core, with myrtle and red cherry both in evidence on the palate. Drink now to 2023.
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Rene’s offering form the South of France is fresh and perfumed much like his white Rhônes. The nose is generous and fleshy with stone fruit intertwined with floral perfume and a touch of talk on the finish. The palate reveals more ripe fruit with flavours of quince, green apple, bitter almond and the finish reveals a delicate salinity owed to a dash of Rolle (Vermentino) which is added to this blend of Grenache Blanc and Viognier. Ideal with a plate of prawns or a tuna salad.
Oliver Barton - Wine Buyer
Oliver Barton - Wine Buyer
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There is more red clay underneath these vines and 85 percent of them are Grenache. The balancing Mourvèdre is grown in a vineyard which is surrounded by the eponymous scrub. The felicitous blend of soils and natural environment brings out the fresher, more linear, side to the Grenache, and is complemented by the sooty, spicy complexity of Mourvèdre. Concentration and firm tannins do not seem to contradict an engaging almost ethereal character that is very typical of this grower. Drink 2018 - 2025.
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer
Rémi Pouizin formerly made wine at his father’s property, Domaine la Fourmente, just outside Visan. Now he has branched out on his own with Domaine Dieu-le-Fit and bought a magnificent 19th century château in the heart of the village. He has also secured biodynamic accreditation for his vineyards, though these essentially remain the same. Only the legal structure and the location of the winery have changed substantially. The essence of the excellent Domaine la Fourmente still remains, albeit a little improved, plus a new, divinely inspired name.
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer
Rémi Pouizin formerly made wine at his father’s property, Domaine la Fourmente, just outside Visan. Now he has branched out on his own with Domaine Dieu-le-Fit and bought a magnificent 19th century château in the heart of the village. He has also secured biodynamic accreditation for his vineyards, though these essentially remain the same. Only the legal structure and the location of the winery have changed substantially. The essence of the excellent Domaine la Fourmente still remains, albeit a little improved, plus a new, divinely inspired name.
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Syrah adds polish and floral lift to this outstanding blend of Grenache and Carignan. The blue and red clay terroir of the vineyards is ideally suited to the generous vintage that was 2015. Here we enjoy ripe yet savoury notes, with a backdrop of liquorice and a touch of star anise, garlanded with Mediterranean flowers. Drink 2019-2026.
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer
Escaravailles dates from 1953 and is now in the more than capable hands of Gilles Ferran, who has constructed a new cuverie and built the reputation of the domaine into one of the leading names in the region. The property is located high in the hills behind the villages of Roaix and Rasteau, where the vines enjoy a special microclimate: here it is relatively warm despite the altitude, with exceptional expositions and soils which are dominated by red and blue clay. Escaravaille, for those of an inquisitive disposition, is the Occitane word for beetle (hence the labels) and also the term once used to describe the black-robed monks of the region, presumably from the Benedictine order.
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer
Escaravailles dates from 1953 and is now in the more than capable hands of Gilles Ferran, who has constructed a new cuverie and built the reputation of the domaine into one of the leading names in the region. The property is located high in the hills behind the villages of Roaix and Rasteau, where the vines enjoy a special microclimate: here it is relatively warm despite the altitude, with exceptional expositions and soils which are dominated by red and blue clay. Escaravaille, for those of an inquisitive disposition, is the Occitane word for beetle (hence the labels) and also the term once used to describe the black-robed monks of the region, presumably from the Benedictine order.
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Laurent’s initial anxieties about relatively low levels of acidity in the Grenache have been dispelled over the élevage period. The Vacqueyras is certainly fresh and juicy – its fruit sourced from ten parcels and dominated by the 75 percent of tank-aged Grenache. Approachable and ripe, yet discretely structured, this works very well and can be drunk in relative youth. Drink 2018-2026.
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer
Flanking the evocatively named Dentelles de Montmirail, with vines on the equally evocative Plateau des Garrigues, La Bastide Saint Vincent is a delightful, family-owned wine domaine with 17th century origins. The unassuming Laurent Daniel never overworks his fruit and his fruit repays him with interest; a very subtle producer of supple wines. Laurent was happy with both quality and quantity in 2015–a vintage which he compares, somewhat against the trend, to 2007.
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer
Flanking the evocatively named Dentelles de Montmirail, with vines on the equally evocative Plateau des Garrigues, La Bastide Saint Vincent is a delightful, family-owned wine domaine with 17th century origins. The unassuming Laurent Daniel never overworks his fruit and his fruit repays him with interest; a very subtle producer of supple wines. Laurent was happy with both quality and quantity in 2015–a vintage which he compares, somewhat against the trend, to 2007.
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Damien Vache blends Grenache (70 percent) and Syrah (30 percent) in this excellent cuvée, which is fermented in concrete and matured in old wood. A Vacqueyras archetype, Les Deux Monards marries dark fruit and spice, with distinctive notes of liquorice allied to a disarming sweetness on the finish. Drink 2016 to 2019.
Simon Field MW - Rhône Buyer
Damien Vache compares 2013 to 2008 and to 2001: it is better than 2008 but, he admits, not quite as good as 2001. This seems about right, especially as 2001 is one of my favourite years over the last two decades, and therefore a hard act to follow. Irregular flowering and a late harvest were the key features here, as elsewhere. Minimal intervention and diligent aging have ensured the quality of the wine, which will give great pleasure in the short to medium term.
Simon Field MW - Rhône Buyer
Damien Vache compares 2013 to 2008 and to 2001: it is better than 2008 but, he admits, not quite as good as 2001. This seems about right, especially as 2001 is one of my favourite years over the last two decades, and therefore a hard act to follow. Irregular flowering and a late harvest were the key features here, as elsewhere. Minimal intervention and diligent aging have ensured the quality of the wine, which will give great pleasure in the short to medium term.
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Produced from unirrigated vineyards, with some vines over 100 years old, and aged in seasoned French oak, this is a very mellow interpretation of “GSM”, Aussie shorthand for a blend of southern Rhône varieties. It’s alluring yet restrained.
Complex & savoury.
50% Grenache, 23% Mourvèdre, 22% Shiraz, 5% Cinsault and Carignan.
Complex & savoury.
50% Grenache, 23% Mourvèdre, 22% Shiraz, 5% Cinsault and Carignan.
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Very well received in the restaurants of London and further afield, Laurent’s Gigondas does not sit at the tarry, rustic and tannic end of the spectrum. Its style is more inverse nostalgia, inclining towards an expression of dark cherry fruit, Asian spice, firm yet fine tannins and a generous mouth-feel. The 2015 excels in all of these areas. Drink 2019-2026.
Simon Field MW-Wine Buyer
Flanking the evocatively named Dentelles de Montmirail, with vines on the equally evocative Plateau des Garrigues, La Bastide Saint Vincent is a delightful, family-owned wine domaine with 17th century origins. The unassuming Laurent Daniel never overworks his fruit and his fruit repays him with interest; a very subtle producer of supple wines. Laurent was happy with both quality and quantity in 2015 – a vintage which he compares, somewhat against the trend, to 2007.
Simon Field MW-Wine Buyer
Flanking the evocatively named Dentelles de Montmirail, with vines on the equally evocative Plateau des Garrigues, La Bastide Saint Vincent is a delightful, family-owned wine domaine with 17th century origins. The unassuming Laurent Daniel never overworks his fruit and his fruit repays him with interest; a very subtle producer of supple wines. Laurent was happy with both quality and quantity in 2015 – a vintage which he compares, somewhat against the trend, to 2007.
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This year it is Floureto’s turn to inspire the eponymous cuvée (the name rotates between Serge’s three daughters) and a very good year it is too. As usual, the blend is 70 percent Grenache and 20 percent Syrah, with small touches of Mourvèdre and Cinsault to complete the picture. Poised and elegant, the wine is a notch lower than sometimes on the alcohol barometer-no bad thing in these parts. In this instance the lower alcohol allows the exuberant black-fruit profile a full and glorious expression.
Simon Field MW - Rhône Buyer
One of the best properties in the appellation of Vacqueyras, and certainly the bestnamed, Le Sang des Cailloux is located on the limestone escarpment which divides the villages of Vacqueyras and Sarrians. The idiosyncrasy betrayed by Serge Férigoule handle-bar moustache reveals an approach to winemaking which is as individual as it is successful. His unrivalled experience allows him to compare 2013 with 1983, when there was also coulure in the Grenache, but when there were also some very nice wines made.
Simon Field MW - Rhône Buyer
One of the best properties in the appellation of Vacqueyras, and certainly the bestnamed, Le Sang des Cailloux is located on the limestone escarpment which divides the villages of Vacqueyras and Sarrians. The idiosyncrasy betrayed by Serge Férigoule handle-bar moustache reveals an approach to winemaking which is as individual as it is successful. His unrivalled experience allows him to compare 2013 with 1983, when there was also coulure in the Grenache, but when there were also some very nice wines made.
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Ready, but will improve,
Everyone’s favourite Côtes-du-Rhône, and usually the first to sell out from this hugely popular Domaine, the Coudoulet style is perfectly suited to this most stylish vintage. Ripe forward fruit, then velvety tannins and the gentle persuasion of soft spice on the finish to remind us of both provenance and unrivalled quality.
Simon Field MW Wine Buyer
Simon Field MW Wine Buyer
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Clay-limestone soils and 50-year-old vines are the progenitors of this exemplary blend, which is made up of 60 percent Grenache, and 40 percent Mourvèdre, with, unusually, no Syrah in 2014. Pumping over for 12 days, followed by nine month’s ageing, have yielded a gloriously fruity wine, with hints of soft spice and leather in the background and spicy subtle tannins even further in the background.
Drink 2018-2020.
Simon Field MW – Wine Buyer
Drink 2018-2020.
Simon Field MW – Wine Buyer
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Domaine d'Aupilhac is an acclaimed organic property located in the enclave of Montpeyroux, 36 kilometres to the north of Montpellier and its inspirational chef de cave Sylvain Fadat is acknowledged as one of the most respected and capable winemakers in the Languedoc. The Cocalières vineyard is located on the site of a prehistoric lake and the soil is shared between petrified volcanic emissions, limestone and basalt.
Aged for 20 months in barrique, the wine is then given time in the winery to settle and harmonise. The 2012 has a rich purple colour and a distinctive nose which marries forest floor, black cherry and hints of peat. The terroir is elegantly expressed in other words, and the gentle hint of sweetness on the finish provides perfect foil for the flavours of sloe, cassis and pepper on the mid-palate. Excellent with game.
Aged for 20 months in barrique, the wine is then given time in the winery to settle and harmonise. The 2012 has a rich purple colour and a distinctive nose which marries forest floor, black cherry and hints of peat. The terroir is elegantly expressed in other words, and the gentle hint of sweetness on the finish provides perfect foil for the flavours of sloe, cassis and pepper on the mid-palate. Excellent with game.
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Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre share the honours in this outstanding and very well named wine. After twelve months in barrel (some 225 litres, some 400 litres) the aromatics are wonderfully seductive, the oak in no way influencing a hymn to Mediterranean sunshine; blackberry, sloe and cherry, with a sprig of rosemary. The palate is equally poised, its tannins reassuringly fine and its fruit fulsome but far from overbearing. The Mourvèdre adds a spicy kick, grounding the higher notes of the Syrah but in no way compromising the pleasure principle. Drink now to 2018.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
The dramatic cliff of the famous eponymous “Pic”, located in the foothills of the Cévennes, provides a fitting backdrop to Domaine de l’Hortus, where wines are crafted under the tutelage of paterfamilias Jean Orliac, one of the most honest, likeable and talented winemakers one could hope to meet.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
The dramatic cliff of the famous eponymous “Pic”, located in the foothills of the Cévennes, provides a fitting backdrop to Domaine de l’Hortus, where wines are crafted under the tutelage of paterfamilias Jean Orliac, one of the most honest, likeable and talented winemakers one could hope to meet.
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For Domaine de Fontbonau , the tasting of the 2008 is promising. Although a relatively light vintage, certainly in comparison with such tannic and forthright years as 2005 and 2007, this is tasting very well, its oak integrated nicely and its fruit profile dominated by red berries and notes from the hedgerow.
Black pepper and a whiff of the garrigue complete the picture. Finesse and elegance abound; this is a most satisfying debut from a property which is set to join the first ranks of great Rhône producers
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)
Black pepper and a whiff of the garrigue complete the picture. Finesse and elegance abound; this is a most satisfying debut from a property which is set to join the first ranks of great Rhône producers
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)
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Still in the Ardèche, this is from old 70-year-old Serine, a venerable Syrah clone, grown on gneiss, with no sulphur dioxide added at all. The 2013 has impressive mineral-tinged black cherry fruit backed up by peppery notes. The palate is meaty and lively with raspberry and cherry fruit. Overall the impression is one of structure, Corinthian rather than Doric, and purity of intent.
Simon Field MW - Rhône Buyer
The wines of Domaine de Pergaud are very well known to the cognoscenti of the Rhône Valley, perhaps best known under the name of their charismatic progenitor. Eric Texier, a nuclear engineer, decided to devote himself to reinvigorating the wines of the appellation Brézème, on the east side of the Rhône River, 30 kilometres south of Hermitage, with which it once shared an illustrious reputation and, it seems, a similar granitic soil structure. If this was not sufficiently difficult, he also took on some vines on the other side— of the river in the Ardèche département the AOP of St Julien en St Alban. Farming organically and making wines in the natural way, adding only a little sulphur at bottling, his has been not only to reawaken old appellations (one thinks of Seyssuel) but also to make wines in a more ‘traditional’ style, that is to say lighter and more elegant. He appears to have succeeded in both these aspirations.
Simon Field MW - Rhône Buyer
The wines of Domaine de Pergaud are very well known to the cognoscenti of the Rhône Valley, perhaps best known under the name of their charismatic progenitor. Eric Texier, a nuclear engineer, decided to devote himself to reinvigorating the wines of the appellation Brézème, on the east side of the Rhône River, 30 kilometres south of Hermitage, with which it once shared an illustrious reputation and, it seems, a similar granitic soil structure. If this was not sufficiently difficult, he also took on some vines on the other side— of the river in the Ardèche département the AOP of St Julien en St Alban. Farming organically and making wines in the natural way, adding only a little sulphur at bottling, his has been not only to reawaken old appellations (one thinks of Seyssuel) but also to make wines in a more ‘traditional’ style, that is to say lighter and more elegant. He appears to have succeeded in both these aspirations.
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Tasted out of bottle, the 2014 Cote de Tablas (44% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 12% Counoise and the rest Mourvedre) reveals a vibrant ruby/purple color as well as notes of kirsch, blackberries, crushed flowers and sappy herbs. Medium-bodied, layered and with outstanding purity, this is a no-brainer purchase that can be drunk today with plenty of pleasure, or cellared for 7-8 years.
Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate, August 2016
Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate, August 2016
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Winemaker Olivier Jullien first started making wine in the Languedoc in the early 1980s when much of the Languedoc was known for producing commercial wine. Arriving after such a great vintage as 2010, the 2011 was always destined to suffer by comparison. Olivier was keen to stress that he was not planning to make a “petit frère”, but rather to work hard to create a wine with its own personality, one that truly reflects the vintage.
Located to the northeast of Montpellier, the modish Terrasses du Larzac produce this Southern Rhône blend. Comprising Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan, the wine is full-bodied and rich. This is a heady wine with rich fruit backed by firm tannins and a full-bodied structure. It will pair well with big, rich dishes.
The 2011 Coteaux du Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac shows fine form, with ample black and purple fruits, searing minerality, and a tight, compact feel that just begs for additional cellar time. Full-bodied, beautifully concentrated and with polished, yet present tannin, it should be at its best from 2016-2026.
Established in 1985 and covering 15 hectares around the village of Jonquieres, north of Montpellier and in the Terrasses du Larzac region, Mas Jullien is run by the passionate Olivier Jullien, who was one of the early pioneers of the region to push for quality.
Farming all organically, he uses varying degrees of whole clusters during fermentation, vinifies each variety separately and utilizes primarily larger format barrels for aging. The entire lineup is stacked with quality and the wines show distinct, individual personalities. Moving to the reds, Jullien does two cuvees, the Terrasses du Larzac release which is a blend of Carignan, Mourvedre and Syrah, and cuvee Carlan, which is mostly Grenache, with smaller parts Carignan, Cinsault and Syrah.
94/100 Jeb Dunnuck eRobertParker.com #212 Apr 2014
Located to the northeast of Montpellier, the modish Terrasses du Larzac produce this Southern Rhône blend. Comprising Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan, the wine is full-bodied and rich. This is a heady wine with rich fruit backed by firm tannins and a full-bodied structure. It will pair well with big, rich dishes.
The 2011 Coteaux du Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac shows fine form, with ample black and purple fruits, searing minerality, and a tight, compact feel that just begs for additional cellar time. Full-bodied, beautifully concentrated and with polished, yet present tannin, it should be at its best from 2016-2026.
Established in 1985 and covering 15 hectares around the village of Jonquieres, north of Montpellier and in the Terrasses du Larzac region, Mas Jullien is run by the passionate Olivier Jullien, who was one of the early pioneers of the region to push for quality.
Farming all organically, he uses varying degrees of whole clusters during fermentation, vinifies each variety separately and utilizes primarily larger format barrels for aging. The entire lineup is stacked with quality and the wines show distinct, individual personalities. Moving to the reds, Jullien does two cuvees, the Terrasses du Larzac release which is a blend of Carignan, Mourvedre and Syrah, and cuvee Carlan, which is mostly Grenache, with smaller parts Carignan, Cinsault and Syrah.
94/100 Jeb Dunnuck eRobertParker.com #212 Apr 2014
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Serge Férigoule is a vigneron’s vigneron; hugely respected in the Rhône and, more than any other, responsible for the ascent of Vacqueyras to its current prestigious status. Beyond his trademark handlebar moustache and the poetic name of his domaine, there is no dissimulation here and a genuine love of the soil. He meets us in his customary worker’s blue overall and describes in some detail why 2011 has been a difficult vintage. It comes as some relief, thereafter, to actually taste the wines, which seem to me to be just as good as always.
Serge feels that the clue to Vacqueyras lies in finesse and that Syrah provides the answer here, rather than Mourvèdre which is very modish elsewhere. The wine is rich and savoury, with notes of violets and raspberry coulis, camphor and liquorice all dancing a very pleasing dance.
Serge feels that the clue to Vacqueyras lies in finesse and that Syrah provides the answer here, rather than Mourvèdre which is very modish elsewhere. The wine is rich and savoury, with notes of violets and raspberry coulis, camphor and liquorice all dancing a very pleasing dance.
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A veritable tour de force and worth ambassador for Vinsobres, the Hauts de Julien is made in equal measure from Grenache and Syrah, with many of the vines more than 50 years old. Again one is struck by purity and poise, from the floral aromatics all the way through to the long, refreshing finish. Blackberry and graphite, sloes and earth; each flamboyant descriptor has an equal and opposite to provide perfect counterpoint.
Drink 2017-2019.
Simon Field MW – Wine Buyer
Drink 2017-2019.
Simon Field MW – Wine Buyer
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This famous old-vine cuvée is made from three quarters Grenache and one quarter Syrah. Élevage takes place over 12 months, in 450-litre tonneaux, all of which are two or three years old. The 2013 weighs in at 14.2 percent, high enough, one may think, but lower than many years and lending the wine a quality which Serge describes as ‘aérien’. Fear not, however, as there is no lack of the classic Vacqueyras spicy weight and length.
Simon Field MW - Rhône Buyer
One of the best properties in the appellation of Vacqueyras, and certainly the bestnamed, Le Sang des Cailloux is located on the limestone escarpment which divides the villages of Vacqueyras and Sarrians. The idiosyncrasy betrayed by Serge Férigoule handle-bar moustache reveals an approach to winemaking which is as individual as it is successful. His unrivalled experience allows him to compare 2013 with 1983, when there was also coulure in the Grenache, but when there were also some very nice wines made.
Simon Field MW - Rhône Buyer
One of the best properties in the appellation of Vacqueyras, and certainly the bestnamed, Le Sang des Cailloux is located on the limestone escarpment which divides the villages of Vacqueyras and Sarrians. The idiosyncrasy betrayed by Serge Férigoule handle-bar moustache reveals an approach to winemaking which is as individual as it is successful. His unrivalled experience allows him to compare 2013 with 1983, when there was also coulure in the Grenache, but when there were also some very nice wines made.
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Ready, but will improve,
Domaine Montirius is one of the stars of the Gigondas appellation, and deservedly so, judged by the care afforded to its wines by Christine and Eric Saurel. They represent the fifth generation to work this 57-hectare domaine. Low-yielding old vines on optimal soil provide the perfect raw materials, and a careful three-week maceration allows the full expression of the terroir. Their patient methodology is rewarded with superb expressions of terroir.
Domaine Montirius is one of the stars of the appellation, and deservedly so, judged by the care afforded to its wines by Christine and Eric Saurel. They represent the fifth generation to work this 57-hectare domaine. Low-yielding old vines on optimal soil provide the perfect raw materials, and a careful three-week maceration allows the full expression of the terroir. Their patient methodology is rewarded with superb expressions of terroir.
Similarly styled, the 2013 Gigondas Confidentiel has high quality aromas and flavors of black raspberry, cassis and leafy herbs, medium to full-bodied richness and a rounded, supple, sweetly fruited style that’s already hard to resist. I love the purity here, and it has fine tannin that frame the finish, all suggesting it will evolve gracefully. Made from 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, it should drink nicely through 2023.
Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate Issue#216 (Part 2) Jan 2015
Domaine Montirius is one of the stars of the appellation, and deservedly so, judged by the care afforded to its wines by Christine and Eric Saurel. They represent the fifth generation to work this 57-hectare domaine. Low-yielding old vines on optimal soil provide the perfect raw materials, and a careful three-week maceration allows the full expression of the terroir. Their patient methodology is rewarded with superb expressions of terroir.
Similarly styled, the 2013 Gigondas Confidentiel has high quality aromas and flavors of black raspberry, cassis and leafy herbs, medium to full-bodied richness and a rounded, supple, sweetly fruited style that’s already hard to resist. I love the purity here, and it has fine tannin that frame the finish, all suggesting it will evolve gracefully. Made from 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, it should drink nicely through 2023.
Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate Issue#216 (Part 2) Jan 2015
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Drink now,
The Gigondas is from vines located in a site named Grand Montmirail, a combination of limestone and marl nurtures the fruit, 90% of which is Grenache and 10% Syrah. Strict biodynamic viticulture followed by 18 months ageing in neutral containers have yielded a muscular wine, with expressive black fruits and finely etched tannins. This 2011 is a most impressive achievement.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Domaine D’Ouréa are another new producer we have added to our list this year; the fruits, if you will pardon the mixed metaphor, of our bi-annual trawl through the rising (and falling) stars of the Valley in the aptly-named Découvertes series of wine fairs. Adrien Rousten does not lack for ambition and fortunately there is no shortage of skill here. He farms biodynamically and has well-located vines in both villages. He is certainly one to watch.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Domaine D’Ouréa are another new producer we have added to our list this year; the fruits, if you will pardon the mixed metaphor, of our bi-annual trawl through the rising (and falling) stars of the Valley in the aptly-named Découvertes series of wine fairs. Adrien Rousten does not lack for ambition and fortunately there is no shortage of skill here. He farms biodynamically and has well-located vines in both villages. He is certainly one to watch.
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Drink now,
Adrien Rousten is a vigneron’s vigneron; passionate, committed and almost protective of his vines, which cover five hectares in Gigondas and 10 in Vacqueras, the latter located high above the village, on the border with Beaumes-de-Venise. He farms biodynamically and is certainly one to watch.
The soil here is a combination of stony red clay and blue marl, the former contributing considerable finesse, the latter power and depth of flavour. Eschewing destemming and any form of intervention in terms of ageing vessel, Adrien Roustan has coaxed a fruit basket of flavour from his old vines. Poised tannins and impressive length complete the picture.
The soil here is a combination of stony red clay and blue marl, the former contributing considerable finesse, the latter power and depth of flavour. Eschewing destemming and any form of intervention in terms of ageing vessel, Adrien Roustan has coaxed a fruit basket of flavour from his old vines. Poised tannins and impressive length complete the picture.
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Bottle 6 x 75cl10cs
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The vast majority of wines from the Southern Rhône are blends. There are 5 main black varieties, although others are used and the most famous wine of the region, Châteauneuf du Pape, can be made from as many as 13 different varieties. Grenache is the most important grape in the southern Rhône - it contributes alcohol, warmth and gentle juicy fruit and is an ideal base wine in the blend. Plantings of Syrah in the southern Rhône have risen dramatically in the last decade and it is an increasingly important component in blends. It rarely attains the heights that it does in the North but adds colour, backbone, tannins and soft ripe fruit to the blend.
The much-maligned Carignan has been on the retreat recently but is still included in many blends - the best old vines can add colour, body and spicy fruits. Cinsault is also backtracking but, if yields are restricted, can produce moderately well-coloured wines adding pleasant-light fruit to red and rosé blends. Finally, Mourvèdre, a grape from Bandol on the Mediterranean coast, has recently become an increasingly significant component of Southern Rhône blends - it often struggles to ripen fully but can add acidity, ripe spicy berry fruits and hints of tobacco to blends.