Domaine Charvin

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2016

9.1

Ripe red cherry. Grilled game. Black peppercorn. Tannins strong yet softened. Acidity medium minus. 15% alcohol fairly well hidden. Nice mouthfeel though a bit unbalanced. Medium finish. — 5 days ago

Joe, Paul and 7 others liked this

Château Musar

Hochar Père & Fils Bekaa Valley Red Blend 2010

Peter van den Besselaar

9.3

Vintage 2010 | young and very attractive — 14 days ago

Ira, Tom and 19 others liked this

Jay Kline

This will become a legendary vintage of Musar

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe

La Crau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Clairette Blend 2004

Bettina Read

9.0

We’ve been saving this 2004 for a special occasion. It was worth it. Smooth and a wonderful pairing with a Christmas Eve roast. — a month ago

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2010

Jae Cho

9.1

In an awkward spot that suffers by comparison to an amazing mosel troken. Has much that’s delicious, but the taut, stony tertiary flavors are incipient not quite showy. — 7 days ago

Juan, Jay and 5 others liked this

Orin Swift Cellars

Machete Petite Sirah Blend

Ross Hensley

9.1

Nice fruit with hints of vanilla chocolate and moderate tannins. — 7 hours ago

with J and Melba

Château Rayas

Réservé Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grenache Blend

Mark Rosse

9.5

Beautiful wine! — 20 days ago

"Odedi" liked this

Domaine Tempier

Bandol Mourvedre Blend 2019

9.2

Lamb ragu and Bandol 🎅 — a month ago

with Stephen

Château de Saint-Cosme

Gigondas Red Rhone Blend 2020

Will Stanley

9.4

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

Bob liked this