I'm still not convinced that the 2007 vintage in the Southern Rhone is head and shoulders above the other good vintages that appellation has produced recently. But if you're looking for 2007 Cotes du Rhone wines to buy, I'd suggest you put Domaine de la Janasse on your buy list. It was very good in 1998 and 2001, and this 2005 is drinking beautifully right now.
It's a medium deep and dark ruby, and the complete ripeness of the grapes is apparent from the first sniff. Blueberries, pomegranates, sweet cherries and garrigue galore. The palate has more of the same. The small amounts of Cinsault and Carignane in the blend add subtle spices that contribute to the complexity and interest. There is a lemon peel edge to counter the ripe Grenache berry fruit and a trace of black pepper on the long, pleasing finish. This has everything I like in a Cotes du Rhone...and a bit more.
The Janasse Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is usually one of the best wines of the appellation. The price has soared out of my range in recent years, but the 1989 (purchased when the estate was not as well known) is drinking beautifully (see my post on June 10, 2008). The Cotes du Rhone comes from domaine grapes grown just outside the Chateaneuf du Pape appellation.
For more on the estate, see my earlier posting on this site (June 8, 2008).
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I found a nice little counoise for Independence day. Domaine Monpertuis, and a Vin de Pays, but tasty and tart. Got some zing. Like arose, almost, but with actual flavor.
ReplyDeleteWhich, of course, is why I drink Freedom wines.
~Eric
Eric, I've had the Counoise a couple of times and loved it. I planned to buy in quantity but, for one reason or another resisted the temptation.
ReplyDeleteCounoise is in many Chateauneuf du Pape but very few CDR Villages blends. I like the racy quality. Counoise may be to Chateauneuf what Petit Verdot is to Bordeaux--the seasoning that sometimes makes the difference between a very good and a great wine.
I've also tasted Monpertuis Chateauneuf du Pape a few times and always enjoyed it, although it's not a wine I've purchased or cellared.