Great base-level CdR from the negociant side of Chave. Floral and high toned fruit on the nose, red fruit and a bit of pepper on the finish. Some good typical spice. Decent finish. Slightly high alcohol. Probably has some upside with aging. — 21 days ago
Smooth Rhône red blend, served cool with tuna, New Year’s Eve at Café Solé, Key West, FL — 20 days ago
First bottle from a case of the 2020 Gigondas village from Ch. de Saint Cosme. It could even be my first time trying Gigondas from Louis Barruol, 14th-gen winemaker here, though I do recall a memorable St Joseph from my birth year that I enjoyed around ten years ago.
This wine is strawberry pink in colour, with good clarity. The nose is shy on the first night, better second; very pretty, with fairly light aromas of blackberry, candied cherry, liquorice, wild herbs, and a hint of grilled meat.
The palate is beautifully polished, striking effortless balance between structure and clarity, sweet fruit and acidity; the tannins are mild and it has wonderful grace through the finish, like a ballroom dancer gliding across the floor. Overall this is a really pure, fresh and elegant expression of Gigondas and has none of the rusticity for which this old appellation is oft known. In fact, it bears greater similarity to old-vine Grenache from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which is no bad thing. Also zero trace of heat despite the 15% abv. Very good stuff from Louis Barruol. This will age with Burgundian grace. Can’t wait to try it again – make sure to decant.
— a day ago
Wine 6 of my birthday blind tasting. A good old guigal to finish it up 😊 always a success. I called côtes du Rhône ✌️
The nose was a bit muted at first but then these unmistakable garrigue and black olive notes kicked in. There is blackberry and cherry notes too. The palate shows a good acid drive, some savoury notes along with blackberry, some width, a good tannic wall in the rear that leaves a drying layer over a long rather savoury and salty finish with black olives and blackberry notes. It's as always, a great option. I will have another glass with lunch, roasted duck and veggies will get along quite well with it. — a month ago
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. No formal notes due to the setting. The 2018 is a fairly classic expression of Beaucastel with a mixed bramble fruit set, underbrush, herbs and spices in lovely balance. Good structure. While still on the youthful side, the 2018 is already showing well and was an awesome accompaniment with a wagyu burger. Drink now through 2038. — 15 days ago
Phil Kessling
Mag! Last of 6 that I bought back in 2014 for $15 each. What a steal and has aged so well. 100% Syrah. Dark purple, black plum. blackberry, olive tapenade, med tannins. — 9 days ago