This wine meets all of my criteria for a good Southern Rhone red--vigorous ripe fruit balanced by spicy, peppery acidity and traits typical of traditional wines from this appellation. It's made by the cooperative at Bedoin that also makes the Cuvee des Tres Messes Basses Cotes du Ventoux, long a budget favorite of mine. Altitude 500, presumably from vines higher on the hill, is a step up in both price and quality, but it's one sale for $9.99 right now at D&W in southwest Michigan (buy six bottles for a 10% discount).
The color is a deep ruby, and the nose is typically 2007--ripe, rich and ready. The sweet red raspberry/blueberry fruit gives a quick up front impression that is quickly countered by scents of peppercorn and Provencal herbs, particularly lavender and rosemary. That's what garrigue is all about. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied with ripe fruit flavors and a pleasing peppery, spicy bite. This ranks high on my list of Southern Rhones from the highly touted 2007 vintage, and I plan to go back for more.
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Just bought a bottle in St. Joseph, MI and will try it out this weekend. Wine store suggested that we try it and so we will.
ReplyDeleteSawall Health Foods in Kalamazoo carries this wine at a much better price.
ReplyDeleteActually, the last time I was in Sawall's, it was about $10 a bottle--the same price as that at D&W. I shop both stores regularly.
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