Two Takes on Provence

Jade Mountain California La Provencale 2004
Previous notes show the wine as complex and oaky though the 2nd bottle earlier in the year seemed a little alcoholic. Tonight’s bottle is very supple again and I don’t think most people would notice the alcohol. This is a blend of Mourvedre, Grenache and Syrah. P&B in Napa 15.2% $19.95 online retail Jade Mountain

Lou Bassaquet Cotes de Provence Cuvee des Rascailles 2003
About one year ago we had a chance to taste the 2004 vintage of this wine and it was clean with sweet oakiness and a real sense of the Cabernet came through. Earlier in the year, a bottle of the 2003 turned up. Unfortunately it was dominated by mercaptins with smells of garlic and onions. Let’s see if that was a one off; I hope it was. No – the smell is horendous again. Avoid this wine. Grown in the foothills of the Mont Sainte Victoire. Winemaker Eric Boyer. Mis in Trets 13% $13.49 at Bottle Barn

About RJ

Ray Johnson is the Executive Director of the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University. He writes about food and wine, his travels and the business of wine. He makes his home in Sonoma County, California.
This entry was posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Cotes de Provence, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Provence, Rhone Blend, Syrah. Bookmark the permalink.

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