This is a simple Cotes du Rhone from the negotiant duPeloux, but I see it as a good introduction to the 2007 vintage in the Southern Rhone. It's medium to deep crimson with the bluish/purple blush of youth. Side by side with the McWilliams Shiraz, the Grenache friendliness of this wine stands out. Red raspberries and cream, violets, spices and a hint of black pepper. Also fresh, yeasty scents--like a raspberry tart fresh out of the oven. Lots of flavor interest. This straightforward negotiant wine ($5.99 at Trader Joe's) gives me a better view of the 2007 vintage than the oak-influenced Domaine Lafond Roc Epine I had a few weeks ago at Journeyman Bistro in Fennville.
Pont du Rhone is not a wine I plan to buy in quantity; there are many better Cotes du Rhone for drinking over the next three to five years--Sainte Anne, Grand Prieur, L'Espigouette, Veux Chene, Janasse, Segries. At the price though, it's a good wine to drink while it's still brimfull of the zesty, yeasty qualities of young Grenache.
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Had the 2005 version of this one, perhaps I'll give the new version a try. Thanks for the review...
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Jason. It was a very enjoyable wine, and a great value at $5.99.
ReplyDeleteI didn't try the 2005 Pont du Rhone but have a couple of bottles of the 2006 that I've yet to try. That should give me an idea of the wine's staying power. All three were good vintages in the Southern Rhone, but so far I think 2005 is considered the best.
Another excellent good value Cotes du Rhone I had recently was the 2007 Les Trois Couronnes. I bought a bottle at D&W in Michigan for $7.99. I'll be posting a report in the next day or so, and you'll see that I was impressed. It's a totally different style compared to the Pont du Rhone--more peppery, spicy tannins and less upfront berry charm.
I just checked out that write-up. I'll have to see if I can find a bottle out here on the west coast. Seems like it would be right up my alley...
ReplyDeleteDon't forget, that's $5.99 for a full liter! It looks about like a normal 750 ml bottle, but it's thin-walled plastic hence the extra volume. I love this stuff. Googled it to find out if anyone can identify the dashing 60's-ish guy on the bottle. I'm guessing it's Alain Delon.
ReplyDeleteI must have had an earlier bottling, Max. Mine was in a 750 ml glass bottle. And it didn't have a picture on the label.
ReplyDeleteWhat's important is what's inside, and that was very good.