Maturity is reflected in the light to medium ruby color. Intense and expansive smells of ripe cherries, red berries and flowers. Sweet pie cherries on the palate along with touches of orange zest and spice. Velvety mouth feel Tannins are ripe and balanced by good acidity. Lovely, ripe finish. Irresistible.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
WillaKenzie Estate Kiana Pinot Noir, 2006
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Vignerons du Mont Ventoux Cuvee des 3 Messes Basses Ventoux Rouge, 2019
Deep and bright. Lovely smells of fresh berries, red and blue, along with herbs and spice. Fuller bodied, it seems, than past vintages but just as friendly and open. Ventoux black pepper and spice on the mid-palate and finish. Never disappointing.
3 Messes Basses is made by the cooperative at Mont Ventoux and sells for about $12 a bottle. It is worth every penny and more. In the 2019 vintage, it is 60% Grenache, 20% Carignan and 20% Syrah.
Friday, April 12, 2024
Schiavenza Barbera Serralunga d'Alba, 2018
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Romain Duvernay Beaumes de Venise, 2016
Beaumes de Venise is located only a few kilometers from Gigondas, and the grape blend used in this bottling is very similar to that used in the Gigondas (below)--60% Grenache. 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre vs. 65% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre for the Gigondas). Tasted side by side, the Gigondas is clearly superior for my taste, although Donna prefers the Beaumes de Venise. In terms of retail value, of course, the Gigondas is worth at least 50% more.
Medium deep red. A bit thin on aromas and flavors at first but grows with aeration. Cherries, red berries, dark tones. Less floral, less chalky and a bit lighter in body than the Gigondas (although both are 14.5% alcohol). Flavors and complexity grow with aeration. A very enjoyable wine but I would still be willing to pay the extra price for the Gigondas.
Sunday, April 7, 2024
Domaine du Grand Montmirail Les Deux Juliettes Vieilles Vignes, 2012
Deep, medium dark ruby. Violets, dark cherries, baking spices, dark licorice tones. Firm tannins on the mid palate lead to cascading flavors of ripe blueberry fruit on the long and pleasure-packed finish.
Chateau Pegau Cuvee Maclura Cotes du Rhone, 2021
I have enjoyed Domaine Pegau's Cuvee Reservee Chateauneuf du Pape for many years but have had less experience with the Cotes du Rhone wines made by Laurence Feraud. This Cuvee Maclura takes some time to get through to my senses but does offer the strength and substance of its more expensive siblings.