The 2007 release of this wine is getting good press on wine message boards. If this 2006 is any indication, it's a Cotes du Rhone worth seeking out.
The color is a deep, plummy red, darker than a typical Cotes du Rhone. It could have some new oak treatment, but if so it was very skillfully handled because everything else about this wine is true to its Southern Rhone traditions. The aromas of the garrigue (Provencal herbs) come out to greet you at the first sniff along with blueberries, black licorice and Vacqueyras minerals. The estate is located in Vacqueyras, and the wine is very much like a good Vacqueyras...but at a Cotes du Rhone price. Bold peppery, spicy Grenache flavors add to the complexity and the finish is long and ripe.
The Bernard family who run Les Florets, a beautiful country inn near Gigondas, produce this wine, apparently with the assistance of wine consultant Phillipe Cambie. I enjoyed the La Garrigue Vacqueyras while staying at Les Florets several years ago, and I'd be quite happy to re-visit both the Cotes du Rhone and the Vacqueyras frequently in the months ahead.
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ReplyDeleteDear Fred -
ReplyDeleteI would like firstly like to say that I have enjoyed reading your blog over the past couple of months, and I think that your content is awesome. I am working on a wine related project, and I would love to send you some information on it, but I could not find an email address. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and keep up the great work!!
Aidan
Fred,
ReplyDeleteI just came across your blog. I had seen some of your reviews on a wine board in the past. Nice to see another W. Mich fan of the southern rhone.
You will love the 07 la Garrigue. It is a ready-to-go version while I wait for the 06 to come around a bit. This is my go-to CdR.
Hello OW, I think I recognize the initials (I always tended to associate them with Oliver Wendell), and I'm glad to see you here. I'm also glad to get your recommendation on the 2007 Domaine la Garrigue. I haven't bought any yet but will do so right away if I can still locate any. I've always liked the estate and stayed at their place in Gigondas a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteWe were there last September. Three couples spent a week in Seguret, bumping around the area. Russo's has the o7 la Garrigue. The other 07 that I have really enjoyed is the Sainte Anne - very big, very spicy, very rhonish, great balance. It feels like a wine that will be really good from 2011- 2015.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't miss the Sainte Anne. I have all good vintages from 1998 in my cellar and all are drinking well. In my experience, even the lower level CDR keeps well for at least 10 years. And the Saint Gervais needs that much time to really shine.
ReplyDeleteGood post. I study something tougher on totally different blogs everyday. It should at all times be stimulating to learn content material from other writers and follow a bit something from their store.
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