Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Bouchard Domaine du Val des Rois Cotes du Rhone Villages Valreas Signature, 2004

Valreas is the northernmost appellation and is often called the most Burgundian of Cotes du Rhone Villages. I found Burgundian charm from the first sniff of this Valreas, although the aroma/flavor profile was classic Southern Rhone: dark cherries, pepper, tobacco, garrigue--as deep and as compact as fruit cake. Old vine Grenache and Syrah fruit flavors are very ripe and easy on the palate but also carry a bright freshness and acidity. This wine has all the spicy fruit qualities I love in the inexpensive Trader Joe's Valreas I buy and report on regularly but with significantly more depth and complexity.

Bouchard's Val des Rois has a reputation for long aging; I bought Bouchard's 1990 Val des Rois and enjoyed it for a good part of the decade. I'm not so sure this 2004 will age as well. It has a peppery maturity that became more pronounced on the second night. But there is no need to wait; the wine is beautiful right now.

1 comment:

  1. I couldn't suggest the organizers arrange some other merchandise process. The wine can be the best in the area if the people consume the advertising about the new product.

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