Category Archives: Rhône

The Carpenters’ favourite

Posted on September 10, 2008 by RJ

Domaine des Bernardins, Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise 2006 A complex mix of fresh peaches, flowers and alcohol, in check for the style. The RS is on the low side so it would be better to look to fresh fruit as a … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Muscat Beaumes de Venise, Rhône, White Dessert | 2 Comments

All over Rhone

Posted on July 15, 2008 by RJ

Monticello, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, Estate Grown, Syrah 2005 Lush and graced by black fruits and a bit of black pepper. P&B in Napa 14.5% $ at the winery Monticello Trinafour, Mendocino County, Niemi Vineyard, Carignane 2006 There’s ample … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Carignane, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France, Grenache, Mendocino County, Mourvedre, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, Rhône, Rhone Blend, Santa Barbara County, Syrah | Leave a comment

Roaming for Rhone

Posted on February 28, 2008 by RJ

Le Clos du Caillou Cotes du Rhone Vielles Vignes Cuvee Unique 2005 This is a solid wine, balanced in medium weight with ripe fruits and structure. The ripeness is such that there are liquer-like black fruits. The alcohol is showing … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Crozes-Hermitage, France, Rhône, Rhone Blend, Santa Ynez Valley, Syrah | Leave a comment

Muscat Love?

Posted on November 29, 2007 by RJ

Domaine des Bernardins Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise 2005 Quite complex with apparent alcohol. 100% Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains. Mis par Cave Castaud in Beaumes-de-Venise 15% $12.99 (375ml) at Bottle Barn

Posted in France, Muscat, Muscat Beaumes de Venise, Rhône | Leave a comment

Baby Beaucastel

Posted on November 29, 2007 by RJ

Perrin & Fils Cotes du Rhone Villages 2004 Gamey with earthy notes and a fair amount of tannin. This wine is 50% Syrah and 50% Grenache. Mis in Orange 13% $9.69 at Bottle Barn

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The Lighter Side of Rhone

Posted on November 29, 2007 by RJ

Chateau La Canorgue Cotes du Luberon 2006 Unfortunately this wine is showing its alcohol quite overtly. The grapes for this wine are Clairette, Roussanne, Marsanne and Bourboulenc. La Canorgue farms its 30 hectares biodynamically. Mis au chateau par Jean-Pierre et … Continue reading →

Posted in Coteaux-du-Tricastin, Cotes du Luberon, France, Rhône | Leave a comment

A Travel to Tavel

Posted on November 20, 2007 by RJ

Domaine de la Mordoree Tavel La Dame Rousse 2006 Smells of strawberry and bisquits.  There’s a broad mouthfeel with fruit to taste and added weight compared to other roses – very nice. The grapes behind this pink wine are 60% … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Grenache, Rhône, Rosé, Tavel | Leave a comment

Brunier’s Satellite

Posted on November 13, 2007 by RJ

Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas 2003 This has been a consistent performer at a more affordable price than the well-made Brunier wines from CDP. The last bottle tasted earlier in 2007 was good again, but the tannic astringency at that time … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Gigondas, Grenache, Rhône, Rhone Blend | Leave a comment

Rhone Richaud

Posted on October 18, 2007 by RJ

Domaine Richaud Cairanne Cotes du Rhone Villages 2005 When I visited with Marcel Richaud a few years ago, his red wines were concentrated and demonstrated the value in this appellation. Bottles tasted here at home from the 2003 vintage were … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Grenache, Rhône | Leave a comment

Que Syrah – This Syrah

Posted on October 10, 2007 by RJ

This flight features 3 Syrah from both sides of the Atlantic. Domaine des Entrefaux Crozes-Hermitage 2005 Black pepper and structure in a good value Northern Rhone Syrah. Charles & Francois Tardy a Chanos-Curson 12.5% $14.49 at Bottle Barn Lewis Cellars … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Cote-Rotie, Crozes-Hermitage, France, Rhône, Sonoma County | Leave a comment