Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Domaine l'Espigouette Vieilles Vignes Cotes du Rhone, 2012

Bernard Latour's l'Espigouette is one of my long-time favorites. I bought and drank it regularly through the late 1980s and early 1990s. My last case purchase, though, was the 1998 Villages, and it's been awhile since I've tried the Vieilles Vignes.

At first, I was afraid that the domaine had gone modern on me. The color was darker than usual, and I didn't get much of the characteristic spicy, peppery quality right away. By the end of the meal, though, I was a fan again. The wine is a 2012, after all, and benefits from some air and/or aging. Strong black fruit traits with cassis and berries. The spicy, peppery traits are smooth and elegant; nothing rustic at all about this wine. For me, the best part is the lively acidity. Long and deep fruited. For $12.99 at MegaBev in Kalamazoo, this is an excellent value.

5 comments:

  1. fred if you lay some down for a year or two it will lose some of its baby fat and be a bit more rustic.plus a bit more pepper will come through!..glad my set still has some good wines in it!!

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  2. Thanks, Doug. Are you the Doug I know through Tiffany's and MegaBev?

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  3. I've moved to Atlanta Georgia....

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  4. I'll miss your expertise (and wine selections). Best of luck in Atlanta.

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