The 2012 vintage of Rhône reds are hitting our shores and shelves. It is a big and forward vintage with some of the lesser Village wines flexing as much muscle as Châteaunuef and Gigondas. It is a good year to find big wines at great value. This Saturday we’ll be pouring a few of them. Come taste for yourself.
2013 Le Perles, Vin d’Pays d’Oc Viognier$10
Before we dive in to the Rhône reds we are going to pour this crisp, value Viognier from the Languedoc. Its ripe fruit is balanced by herbal aromatics.
2013 Domaine J. P. Lafond Tavel Rosé $21
Grenache 60%, Cinsault 10%, Syrah 10%, Carigna 5% and with Clairette, Picpoul, Bourboulenc, Mourvèdre.
Pascal Lafond’s 65-hectare family-run estate is located in the rosé-only appellation of Tavel. His Rosé is top of its class. “The predominating aromas are complex: red and white fruit associated with floral notes. With time, these fruity aromas will evolve toward more mellow notes with a touch of spice and stone fruits, and the color will take on amber tints. As of its first year, it disposes of all the necessary aromas to be appreciated, but it also has an exceptional ageing potential.”
2012 Domaine Olivier Hillaire Côtes-du-Rhône Vieilles Vignes $18
80% Grenache and 20% Syrah
A rock-solid effort, the 2012 Cotes du Rhone Vieilles by Olivier Hillaire screams Southern Rhone on the nose, with plenty of spice, saddle leather and garrigue. It has exceptional polish and grace to complement its bright red fruit flavors. Its length and density belies its lowly appellation. Drink now-2018
2012 Domaine Boisson Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Cairanne $23
70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
The grapes for Boisson’s Cairanne come from a blend of 20 years old vines and some astonishing 110 years old vines. The result is a complex wine that marries freshness (from the younger, higher-cropping vines) with awesome concentration from the venerable old plants that produce just a tiny volume of extremely high-quality juice. “Warm, inviting aromas combine with a fleshy, unctuous palate of mellow licorice, black pepper, star anise and prune to give a sinfully-good, memorable drinking experience. Luscious and satisfying.”
2012 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Côtes-du-Rhône $25
70%Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault
Usseglio’s Châteaunuef scored 95pts in 2012, but so far his Côtes-du-Rhône is under the radar. Not for long we think. The wine has predominate dark cherry notes with dried herbs, charcoal, pepper nose; tasty, dried herbs, charcoal, pepper, mineral palate; and a good finish.
Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2 until the bottles run out and on Sunday we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day from 11-5. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.