tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604297838201539175.post443028792365301549..comments2023-10-19T09:46:53.613-04:00Comments on Artisan Wine on a Budget: 2007 Southern Rhones To ConsiderFred McTaggarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568104809300139407noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604297838201539175.post-62128987307246000652009-03-08T22:19:00.000-04:002009-03-08T22:19:00.000-04:00Hi Eric,Those wines don't usually make it to my ma...Hi Eric,<BR/><BR/>Those wines don't usually make it to my market. I did buy several bottles of the 1998 Clos du Caillou VV in Chicago. That was probably when it first hit the market in the US and it was very cheap--about $10, I think. I thought it was great--a baby Chateauneuf--and went back for more. I talked to the clerk at Sam's, and he agree that it would probably age similar to a Chateauneuf. So I still have a couple of bottles of the 1998 that I plan to bring out later this year, so we'll see how it does with time in the bottle. The old vines intensity was remarkable. I'll post a note when I open one, of course. Unfortunately, I don't think this wine will ever be available for $10 again.<BR/><BR/>Some wines I forgot to mention are Vieux Chene. Most of these are Cotes du Rhone rather than CDR Villages, but they age pretty well over three to five years. The 2004 and 2005 were very ripe and luscious. In Chicago, I've seen these (at Sam's and at Whole Foods) for about $10 a bottle.<BR/><BR/>In the past, I've enjoyed the Valreas Val du Roi of Romain Bouchard, and I just bought half a case of the 2004. I will be on the lookout for the 2007. Bouchard has some Gamay in his vineyards and it's easy to take the wine for granted when it's young. It's subtle and delicate like a good Burgundy. But there is a lot to like when it's young, and it ages very well. I bought some from the 1985 vintage that was very good through the mid-1990s. The cooperative Valreas sold at Trader Joe's is also pretty good, particularly considering the $5.99 price tag! The 2007 is on the shelves now.<BR/><BR/>Domaine la Garrigue makes a Vacqueyras and a Gigondas (I believe) in addition to their very good CDR.Fred McTaggarthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01568104809300139407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604297838201539175.post-43497870854305838832009-03-08T17:07:00.000-04:002009-03-08T17:07:00.000-04:00I'm enjoying a bottle of the La Milliere CdR, as w...I'm enjoying a bottle of the La Milliere CdR, as well as a bottle of Clos du Caillou Reserve, and CdC V.V.<BR/><BR/>Outstanding jamminess when first opened, then attenuates a bit with oxygen. I'm definitely going to hunt out some of your recommendations.<BR/><BR/>All three are 2006. My name is actually Eric, Fred, I'm just too lazy to log in.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com