Not the dark, ripe and big red I expected from the appellation. Continue reading
southern rhone
2016 Southern Rhones and dumb phase – Clos Saint-Antonin Cotes du Rhone
Yet another wine that makes me believe Southern Rhone reds are prime examples of wines which go through dumb phases. This looks even more closed down compared to my last bottle tasted 17 months ago (see post here).
Classic Southern Rhone red – M. Chapoutier La Ciboise Luberon 2017
More than two months without posting about a Southern Rhone red, it’s clearly too much. Sadly, I’m running out of them, only a few remained in my wine fridge and there is not that many available on the Hungarian market. Luckily some Chapoutier wines are listed by the big retailer called Veritas, and the entry level red I picked did not disappoint.
High alcohol red wines III. – Domaine André Mathieu, la Centenaire Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2016
Hitting 16%, this Chateauneuf du Pape has the highest alcohol in this series. La Centenaire is made entirely from Grenache, which is supposed to handle heat far better than Syrah for example, but to see such alcohol content on the label is not just a bit worrying. Yet this was the winner of the trio (the other two are the El Telar Monastrell and Maccone Primitivo), when it comes to handling alcohol.
The traditional face of Southern Rhone reds: Gigondas La Cave Vacqueyras Beaumirail 2016
Do you like cooperative wines? For me, Gigondas La Cave is just as attractive as producer as many family wineries. Their wines have a personality that I really like and the quality is very reliable.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape visits II: Domaine de Cristia
Following the nice visit at Domaine Grand Veneur, I also had an appointment at Domaine de Cristia this May. Time was short, but I won’t complain – I was blown away, and not just by the wines.
Yet another great value Southern Rhone red: Domaine les Grands Bois “Maximilien” Cairanne 2017
Another great Cotes du Rhone from 2016: Clos Saint-Antonin
Yet another one from the endless row of great 2016 Southern Rhone reds. The first wine I tried from the producer and it convinced me, now I want to try more from their portfolio.
Another great Cotes du Rhone red – Domaine Olivier Hillaire Vieilles Vignes 2017
Drinking in Avignon wine #10. The last one from this series, and easily the best. Bought the bottle in the producers shop in the centre of the town Chateauneuf-du-Pape, where one can taste through the whole range, including the expensive top wines, I highly recommend to visit it if you are in town.
Vignerons de Caractere, Terroir Daronton, Roaix 2016, Cotes du Rhone Villages
Drinking in Avignon, wine #8. Yet another Southern Rhone appellation which I have not heard of, Roaix. But while that pretty Seguret made me a fan, this time I was slightly disappointed.