Ardèche, Rhône

Domaine Romaneaux-Destezet (Hervé Souhaut)

La Souteronne Vin de Pays de l'Ardèche Gamay

acidic gamay with hella fruit flavors strong notes of cherry supported by some raspberry and a bit of tannins that paired well with a triple crème, alpine and berthaut epoisses cheeses — 23 days ago

Thierry Allemand

Cornas Reynard (R) Syrah 1999

Another producer to inherit some vineyards from Verset was Thiérry Allemand who purchased Noëls holdings in Reynard. That vineyard is the cornerstone for this wine. The 1999 Allemand “Reynard” is still full of fresh brambles, some cow pasture, and beautiful purple flowers. It’s sanguine with inorganic earth and gentle spices. Bangin’ with venison, umami bomb, potato and pearl onion. This is gorgeous and should be outstanding through 2040+. — 11 days ago

Severn, Ira and 7 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

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Dude you had a Rhône evening I can only dream about. Lucky man! Cheers!
Jay Kline

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@Tom Casagrande no doubt. It was truly special. I created a Tasting Story on CT; not sure if you’re on there.

Château Rayas

Réservé Pignan Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grenache 2000

The color of the 2000 Pignan is a brilliant pale ruby color and slightly cloudy. Noticeably lighter in complexion than the others in the CdP flight. Yep…it has that scintillating, heady nose that is so unique to Rayas. Pine needles, wild strawberries, cardamom…woof. This bottle had some VA but I didn’t mind. Perhaps not the most exciting Rayas but I’m splitting hairs here. A very nice pairing with cassoulet, Toulouse sausage and duck confit. Drink now and through 2035. Merci Matt! — 11 days ago

Josh, Eric and 8 others liked this

Domaine Auguste Clape

Cornas Syrah 1997

As Noël Verset started to divest in his vines, there were several producers who came away with some real treasures. The most famous was Franck Balthazar who was able to purchase Verset’s prized holdings in Chaillots. Perhaps less known is Auguste Clape also purchased some ex-Verset vines in the Sabarotte lieu-dit. The 1997 Clape pours a much deeper color, nearly opaque purple. Dense brambles with some black licorice, lavender pastilles and minerals. Somewhat reticent even at 25+ years old. The venison, umami bomb, potato and pearl onion helped coax this Clape from slumber though. Drinking well now but easily has the stuffing to see 2037 and possibly beyond. — 11 days ago

Lyle, Severn and 7 others liked this

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave

Hermitage Blanc Marsanne Roussanne 1994

The 1994 was initially a bit shy on the nose but after many hours in the decanter, it showed such amazing character. In fact, it shared some characteristics with a lightly peated single malt scotch, with light smoke, marmalade, honey, golden raspberry and wet stone. More of its character was unlocked with food. In this case, monkfish, sweet potato, leek, and winter truffle. Drink now through 2034+ — 11 days ago

Josh, Severn and 6 others liked this

E. Guigal

La Mouline Côte-Rôtie Syrah 1994

Believe it or not, this is my first La-La and what a way to do it with a 1994 no less! Flintstone vitamins, gym socks, pomegranate, purple flowers, minerals like crazy…and what seemed like an impenetrable wall of granite. Tons of baking spices. Modern? Yeah of course but my goodness the quality is indisputable and this worked really well with Iberico pork cheek, mushroom ragu with lavender and thyme. The reality is, even at 30 years old, this is youthful. Drink now through, I dunno, 2044? — 11 days ago

Severn, Lyle and 7 others liked this

Thierry Allemand

Chaillot Cornas Syrah 2017

Youthful that will need a few more years. Mostly showing blue & black fruits, inky with graphite, mineral, meat, olive, licorice & violet — 11 days ago

Tom, Ira and 13 others liked this

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

La Chapelle Hermitage Syrah 1988

The fruit for "La Chapelle" is sourced predominantly from Le Méal and Bessards (with a little form Greffieux and Rocoules. Relative to the two Chave’s, the 1988 “La Chapelle” seems a bit more like a Hermitage fastball right down the middle of the plate. Desiccated mixed berries, olives, purple flowers, and minerals with a touch of ethyl acetate. Again a great pairing with grilled lamb and Moroccan spices. Vinous and drinking well now through 2035. — 11 days ago

Severn, Lyle and 7 others liked this

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave

Hermitage Syrah 1989

Not to be outdone, the 1989 Chave Hermitage Rouge showed more brambles than the ’88 along with other desiccated blue and black fruits. Dried flowers, beef, blood, leather and mushrooms. Every time I have the pleasure of drinking old Chave, I’m reminded that these wines have so much character and there is a reason they are so adored. Lovely with grilled lamb and Moroccan spices. Drink now through 2040. — 11 days ago

Severn, Lyle and 8 others liked this

Domaine du Pegau

Cuvée Réservé Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2021

Popped and poured. The 2021 “Cuvée Réservée” pours a deep ruby color with a deep but transparent core; medium+ viscosity and moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe red and black brambles, spiced meat, black pepper, some purple flowers and stony minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. This comes across lighter and more Burgundian than the last handful of vintages; almost giving me some 2014 vibes (which is a vintage in the last decade that I adore). It’s really good and shows a bit more elegance that I quite like. Looking forward to tracking this vintage as time goes on. Drink now with some patience and should be cracking through 2041 with ease. — 10 days ago

Ira, Severn and 12 others liked this