Jean-Luc Colombo, Cotes du Rhone, Les Abeilles 2006 This is a juicy-fruity budget offering from the famous Cornas producer. It drinks easily with a little bit of structure. Eleve et mis in La Roche de Glun in Tain 13.5% $???
Domaine des Girasols, Rasteau Cotes du Rhone Villages, Vieilles Vignes 2005 There’s minerality and black fruit in the nose. The palate sports plenty of acidity making this a good pairing partner with that chicken skin you might eat when your partner trims it away. There’s a moderate amount of extract and weight with a bit of tannin as well. The Grenache for this wine is sourced from the family’s oldest parcel planted in 1913, while there is also a contribution of 20% Mourvedre and 15% Cinsault. Mis par Famille Paul Joyet, proprietaire et recoltant a Rasteau 14.5% $18.99 at K&L Domaine des Girasols
Chateau de Beaucastel, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005 Give this wine some air to blow off the reductive character. Then the black pepper and garrigue will come alive, along with a bit of sweet oak in the background. In July of ’09, the fruit is really coming to the fore in the nose. In the mouth the wine is ripe yet has the structure to improve nicely for a good 8 years. There is also a sense of gaminess, a light and complementary bit of the horse stable. The acidity carries the flavor for a long time, making it possible to savor this wine long after you swallow. The estate is farmed organically and this red CDP is noted for its high involvement of Mourvedre. Mis par vignobles Perrin in Courthezon 14% $99.99 at Bottle Barn Chateau de Beaucastel