Southern Rhone
Tasted Wednesday, May 9, 2007 by Siggy with 2,051 views
Our first appointment of the day was at Beaucastel – a repeat visit for me. As was the case last year, we were met by Beaucastel’s sommelier, the highly entertaining and animated Fabrice Langlois, who gave us a great overview of the history of the domaine, its terroirs, and its winemaking philosophy. Fabrice is a man with many interesting analogies. My favorite: “Chateauneuf-du-Pape is orchestral music, and Picpoul is the triangle.” I thought all of the Beaucastel wines showed well.
We met with Philippe Bravay, who tasted us through his 2006s and 2005s. This producer is deservedly generating some buzz and seems to be on the upswing. I was impressed with his lineup of wines.
Verger des Papes is a terrific lunch spot. The restaurant is just a few steps from the castle ruins (the Pope’s weekend getaway) in the heart of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. On a clear day, you can sit outside on the patio and enjoy a panoramic view of the Rhone valley to the west and south. The food is traditional Provencal fare with a light and creative twist. The restaurant has an adjacent wine shop, and their selection of recent-vintage Chateauneuf-du-Pape is superb. This was one of my favorite spots last year, and I thought it was even better this year.
We met with Andreas Becker for a tasting through Vielle Julienne’s 2005s. The domaine is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2005, and is producing a one-time Cotes-du-Rhone cuvee called “La Bousse” for 120 Euros (!). As was the case last year, I was very impressed with the portfolio of wines.
Christophe Jaume tasted us through Grand Veneur’s 2006s and 2005s. I had not visited this domaine before. They have a large lineup of wines, some of which were very impressive.
A great restaurant attached to a country inn in Lagnes. The chef prepares one menu, based on whatever is fresh in the market that morning. Tonight it was Provencal ravioli in a butter sauce, roasted “Lap” (a Mediterranean white fish) with fresh peas, potatoes, tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar, three kinds of chevre, and an amazing “Moilleux” liquid chocolate cake with a vanilla sauce.
2005 Famille Perrin / Perrin & Fils Vinsobres Les Cornuds
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vinsobres
Black color. Smoke, ash, and herbs. Astringent. Peppery. Sharp.
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2005 Famille Perrin / Perrin & Fils Rasteau L'Andéol
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Rasteau
Slightly more fragrant nose. Peppery, green, and sharp.
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2005 Famille Perrin / Perrin & Fils Gigondas
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas
Barnyard nose. Soft and round in the mouth. Red fruits, pepper.
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2005 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Complex black fruits on the nose. Ripe tannins. Smoke. Surprisingly approachable at this stage. Well-balanced. Excellent.
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2001 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
High-toned red fruits and tea on the nose. Complex flavors of animal, cherries, earth, and char. Open at first, then started to close down. Reminded me of the 1989 that we tried from magnum at dinner the previous evening. Excellent.
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1998 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Gorgeous sous bois, red cherries, and rhubarb. Very fresh fruit, with nice supporting acidity. Well balanced; long finish. Excellent.
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1989 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
My second taste of this wine in less than 24 hours. Soft, lush red fruits. Feminine, perfumed nose. Rhubarb and baking spices. Earthy and complex. Less dark than the magnum we tasted the previous night. Fantastic.
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2005 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Cuvée Roussanne Vieilles Vignes
France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Honey, melon, orange peel, and sweet peaches. Great freshness and weight. Very complex. Minerally. Long finish. Delicious.
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