Friendly and open in feel, offering a burst of cherry and kirsch notes backed by red licorice, floral and garrigue hints. The silky, persistent finish has a nice mineral hint too. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2027. 2,700 cases made, 400 cases imported. — JM
Louis Bernard Reviews
Juicy yet restrained style, with mineral-laced cherry and plum notes mixed with garrigue accents. Hints of tea and incense line the finish. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2027. 1,500 cases made, 100 cases imported. — JM
Just-melted licorice, plum reduction and warm fruit cake aromas and flavors are supported by fresh acidity. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2025. 2,500 cases made, 200 cases imported. — JM
The full-bodied 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Domaine la Crau des Papes is a fine effort from this widely distributed négociant. Garrigue, tea and floral notes accent raspberry and cherry fruit in this silky-textured wine, which remains lively and fresh through the long finish.
Slightly more expensive, the 2016 Vacqueyras Domaine de Montbayon is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre that was brought up all in tank. It offers plenty of earthy black and blue fruits, peppery herbs and hints of violets in a full-bodied, impressively concentrated, balanced style. It’s just another outstanding looking barrel sample from this negociant.
The 2015 Côtes du Rhône Villages is an outstanding Southern Rhône that has loads of ripe strawberry and raspberry fruits, medium-bodied richness and a peppery, spicy style on the palate that makes it a joy to drink. It’s a terrific value to buy by the case and enjoy over the coming 2-3 years.
Great Value
Year's Best Rhone
Red cherry flavors ring out with bell-tone clarity in this wine, herbal notes edging the ripe, juicy flavors. It feels cool and fresh, with a little vanilla and spice to smooth over the stony flavors beneath the fruit.