Vignerons du Mont Ventoux Altitude 500 Parcelles Saint Nicolas Ventoux, 2009

If you miss out on the 94-point Pesquie Terrasses Ventoux (and you probably won't since there seem to be ample supplies, at least in Michigan), you might want to give this Ventoux a try. Like Pesquie Terrasses, it comes from stony south-facing vineyards 500 meters above sea level. It's similar to Pesquie in many other ways as well, and I think I prefer the lesser known Altitude 500.

The color is a deep crimson, not as dark and bluish as the Pesquie but with good saturation. The aromas are equally impressive--less aggressive pepper but finer tannins and more spicy red and black Ventoux fruit. Raspberries, currants, cinnamon and black pepper. Like the 2007 Altitude 500 I reported on earlier, this is a very impressive Ventoux. It glides easily across the palate leaving not only the obvious charms but many secrets and hints of more to come.

Sawall's health food store in Kalamazoo still has stocks of the excellent 2007 Altitude 500 for $9.99. D&W Market across the street carries both the 2007 and 2009 for about the same price. Again, I prefer this wine to the highly touted Pesquie Terrasses selling for $12.99.