Rhone

November RHôNE

We haven’t done much with the Rhône lately but with the weather cooling down, it’s time to bring a special item to the forefront.

#305006 CHâTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006 VIEUX DONJON $54.95 
In a nutshell, here’s the story on 2006 Châteauneuf-du-Pape! It’s a serviceable, above-average vintage but don’t let anyone tell you that the wines reside at the same quality level as 2005! Not even close! Unfortunately, given the vicissitudes of the currency exchange, they are also priced higher than the 2005s! So why pay more for the B+ vintage when there’s still ample supply of the A+ vintage still in circulation? On top of all this is the rumour of the spectacular 2007 southern Rhône vintage to be released next year! All in all, it makes little sense to buy heavily on 2006 southern Rhônes! We’re not and we would advise you to adapt the same strategy! Having said all that, we’d be remiss in our duty if we didn’t make you aware of the 2006 Vieux Donjon. This classically produced wine has become a store favorite and they’ve done it again with a remarkable effort that’s lush and juicy, yet structured with a cutting edge of southern Rhône aplomb! Don’t miss out on this as our quantities are limited and it always seems to end up on the Spectator “Top 100’ list!

#362555 COTES DU RHONE 2006 “PARALLELE 45” PAUL JABOULET $9.99 
As previously noted in these pages, we have felt no compulsion to chase 2006 Rhones in any serious manner given the outstanding quality of 2005s left in the market as well as the early prognosis for greatness we’re hearing about the southern Rhone (as good or better than 2005!) for 2007! Having said all that, we were struck by the outstanding price/quality ratio of venerable house friend Parallele 45 in 2006!
The wine leads off with real nice red fruit nose of wild cherry/wild berry fruit nuanced nicely with hints of red licorice, graham cracker and white pepper. The 2006 Parallele 45 showcases wonderfully balanced, even-keeled fruit with an exceptionally long finish given the wine’s generous price point. Here’s another classic ready made for outdoor grilling and BBQ scenarios that comes to you for a song! While it lasts! Salut!

GIGONDAS 2004 GOUR DE CHAULE $27.95 [#368502] 
We did an e-mail blast on this recently but still have a bit in stock and it’s definitely worth mentioning. Over these many years, we’ve long been fans of Domaine Gour de Chaule! This remarkable estate, run in inimitable fashion by Aline Bonfils, produces wines that are classic in every manner. Gour de Chaule has just released their 2004 as Madame Bonfils does not like to bring her wines to market until she feels they are ready to drink. From the renowned Neal Rosenthal portfolio, it’s worth noting that no new oak is used at this estate and all wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered. The resulting wine is sturdy, braced with sweet dusty tannins and intensely aromatic notes of crushed white pepper, oriental spices and game. While it drinks quite well now, it will easily age nicely for another 3-5+ years! Josh Raynolds of Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar recently awarded this gem 92 points, noting, “Deep red! Intense red and dark berry aromas complicated by notes of garrigue, coffee and flowers. Powerful spice and earth notes complement an array of ripe red and dark berry flavors and carry through the long, vibrant finish.” Don’t miss out on this classic southern Rhone gem that delivers quality way beyond its price!

RHONE VALLEY
The Rhone has contributed mightily to import department sales with a bevy of superb wines from 2005. Another batch of stellar new arrivals have hit our floor! Here are some highlights!

CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2005 ‘CAILLOUX” ANDRE BRUNEL $44.95 [#325841] 
This is always one of our favorite Chateauneuf and we anticipate its arrival most every year with excitement. The 2005 is simply superb! It features a smorgasbord of classically styled red fruits that speak to the glory of 2005 in the south of France. In an era of overstatement and manipulation where way too many French wines are attempting to imitate the imitators, Brunel’s “Cailloux” speaks to refined understatement and those classic virtues of yesteryear that kind of brought us all into the wine game in the first place.

COTE-ROTIE 2005 GALLET $49.95 [#300208] 

From one of our favorite producers, Gallet’s Cote-Rotie is a traditionalist’s delight! Almost ethereal, this wine delivers delicious Syrah fruit that’s classic in every way! Wild berries, forest floor, sweet smoke and game define this superb effort that comes to you at a marvelous price!

COTE-ROTIE 2005 OGIER $89.95 [#325846] 

Those who appreciate a more modern approach will adore this fruit-laden extravaganza from Domaine Ogier that combines plum dollops of blackberry, wild cherry, cassis and ripe plum nuanced with hints of sundry peppercorns and spice.

COTE-ROTIE 2005 ROSTAING $79.99 [#304878] 

Rene Rostaing has long been one of our favorite Rhone producers and his 2005 Cote-Rotie flat-out delivers! It’s a tour de force production that provides the imbiber with refined country comfort! This wonderfully wrought Syrah is perfect for grilled lamb, venison or traditional bistro fare!

COTE-ROTIE 2005 JAMET $89.99 [#325851] 

2005 provides us with another masterpiece from Jamet! This jewel captures everything positive about the 2005 vintage as well as the traditionally minded approach so characteristic of wine from Jamet! LIMITED!