Tavel, Southern Rhône
Domaine de la Charbonnière
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2018
Domaine de La Charbonniere Chateauneuf du Pape 2018 $45. Ruby with aromas of red berry fruits, oak and sweet spice, blend of 70% Grenache and 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre. On the palate flavors of raspberry, cherry and blackberry with hints of oak, leather, vanilla spice and black pepper. Aged in oak the wine was complex and elegant with smooth tannins, long spicy finish. Nice! — 2 days ago
Domaine Saint Gayan
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2014
My favorite CDP. I’m also a CDP hater, so take it with a grain of salt. Nose is feral and awesome. Cherry liquer, cassis, herbs, wet earth, dried hay, just such a full spectrum of CDP herbs. So classic and old school. Love the classicism of 14. Ah yea, this is just so pure, so focused and laser like in its precision. Juicy and wonderful silky tannins. Long finish and substantial structure to ensure long aging. Wow this is long. Just a stunning wine. Wow. This is so good. — 9 days ago
Domaine du Pegau
Cuvée Réservé Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2014
Popped and poured. The 2014 Pegaü “Cuvée Réservé” appears a deep ruby in the glass with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity. The nose is funky cherry, bruised strawberry, barn yard, stone fruit, brambles, garrigue, spiced meat, and damp forest floor. There is a touch of VA but it’s on the charming side. On the palate the wine is dry, with significant structure still. In fact, I feel as though the structure is showing more than I recall from earlier experiences. The fruit is generous but more red fruited than usual. Fresh and juicy with a long finish. Awesome. Still another 10 years in this, easy. On the lighter side for Pegaü, thanks the 2014 vintage, but still a stunner. — 7 days ago
Domaine le Sang des Cailloux
Cuvée Floureto Vacqueyras Red Rhone Blend 2019
2019 vintage. Last tasted 4.6.22. Medium-medium/heavy body. It’s got the garrigue stink (Mediterranean herbs/native scrub flora…similar to the Southern California herbs/native scrub & chaparral) and smoky nose. Prominent lavender, fudgie flavors thin out slightly on the finish. Definitely brooding. Hide a bottle or two away for future considerations but it’s firing now. Not a lot of Vacqueyras juice escapes from France (not a lot made) since it’s a relatively smallish, SoRhô (Southern Rhône) area. Generally, fantastic value play on resto lists or in the retail world. This one is no exception. 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault/Mouvèdre mystery combo. Vines are 35-40 years old. If you encounter this out in the wild, throw a net over it and wrangle it back to camp. — 22 days ago
Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes
Les Choregies Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2015
Now we’re headed to the Southern Rhône and more specifically one of our favorite “Cru” appellations; the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, which may feature up to 13 sanctioned varieties as part of its blend, though it’s commonly dominated by Grenache and Mourvèdre. These blends can lead to delightfully complex and balanced wines.
This particular wine is medium ruby with notable tearing. On the nose and palate, we’re finding black cherry, blackberry, fig paste, prune; also black licorice, anise, cardamom, graphite, grape seed, leather, tobacco, meat, garrigue, and forest floor notes.
Overall this wine has a dried fruit and earthy, spicy/savory expression. It’s complex, balanced, and intense. The tannins are firm and grippy. The alcohol is high (15%). This wine has the bone structure to continue aging but is a pleasure to drink now.
According to @winespectator 2015 was a great vintage for late-ripening varieties in the Southern Rhône, as it was sunny, warm and dry through July, leading to reds that are “rich, ripe and full of powerful fruit.” 🎯
Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Choregies 2015. — 8 days ago
Neil Blaze
I tend to be rather picky about rosé, but I always love those from the Tavel area. This one is consistently satisfying. Glorious salmon-pink color and fresh, juicy flavors of strawberry and watermelon. Great with our Niçoise salad! 60% Grenache, 13% Clairette, 13% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, 3% Mourvèdre, 1% Bourboulenc. 5/15/22. — 15 days ago