Chateau du Trignon Cotes du Rhone, 2007

This is another fine example of the quality of the 2007 vintage in the Southern Rhone. I still insist that it's not the vintage of my lifetime (nor of Robert Parker's) but it apparently offered conditions for complete ripening of the Grenache and Syrah grapes.

Deep garnet./ Oh yes, traditional Cotes du Rhone at its best with black pepper, garrigue, red and black fruits. Dark and serious; more like Rasteau than Cairanne. Peppery, spicy Carignan along with all of the best facets of Grenache and Syrah.

Chateau du Trignon, a long time favorite of Kermit Lynch, has old vines well situated at the foot of the Dentelles mountains near Gigondas, Rasteau and Ventoux. The estate has recently been purchased by the Quiot family, owners of Vieux Lazaret in Chateauneuf du Pape, and I would say it is in good hands. The 2003 Trignon Cotes du Rhone Villages Rasteau that I reported on several times over the last few years was a distinct disappointment, but that may have been because of bad storage or transport before the wine reached me. It may also have been a result of transitional problems before the estate was sold.

Chateau du Trignon was one of the least expensive Cotes du Rhone wines at Binny's in Chicago. For recent Southern Rhones, particularly those from 2007, I would say that cheaper is usually better--at least for my taste. It means the winemaker has not purchased expensive barriques to join the trend toward an international style.