2015 Château de Nages Costières-de-Nîmes JT was stylish, expressive and layered. The Syrah-dominant blend from Costières-de-Nîmes was clear and medium ruby in colour without any sediments. Freshly uncorked, aromatics of raspberries, black cherries, olives, farmyard and earth. With an hour of in-bottle aeration, notes of blackberries, coffee and liqourice emerged. On the palate, it was dry and medium-full bodied, with medium level of balanced acidity, medium level of chalky tannin and evident stony minerality. The long finish was packed with flavours of black pepper, violets, cocoa and black tea.
The blend consisted of 95% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre, and the vines were grown on round pebbles on iron-rich clay subsoil. It was fermented with whole-bunch and whole-berry to achieve lifted aromatic complexity. The wine was certified organic.
Renowned wine critic, Jeb Dunnuck, commented that it reminded him of a top Crozes-Hermitage. I would add that it resembled Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage for the farmyard and earthy characters, plus the lifted aromatics from whole-bunch fermentation. Having said that, Crozes-Hermitage in moderate continental climate, had more acidity and freshness, while Costières-de-Nîmes, influenced by hot Mediterranean climate, was more robust and alcoholic.
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95% syrah and 5% mourvedre. Nose has blackberry, fennel, and woodsmoke. Pure, primary fruit flavors of black grapes and tart red cherries. Not too spicy, floral or funky; Light tannins, medium acid, savory palate, and long, cool menthol finish.
I initially scored this an 87 but on day 2 it picked up very nice weight and stood up to a strong lemon ginger chicken dish in a positive way that I didn’t expect. This is a well made wine with a rich palate. Per the label, “give it time after opening”, like 4-6 hours or more.
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I was very impressed with this wine, the balance of fruit and tannins was perfect. Not at all like Australian Syrah, this had a touch more fruit and overall better body and flavour. Got better with a little decanting but overall would buy again. This would be an excellent Restaurant wine at this price point.
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3/29/2020 - apple1813 Likes this wine: 91 Points
2015 Château de Nages Costières-de-Nîmes JT was stylish, expressive and layered. The Syrah-dominant blend from Costières-de-Nîmes was clear and medium ruby in colour without any sediments. Freshly uncorked, aromatics of raspberries, black cherries, olives, farmyard and earth. With an hour of in-bottle aeration, notes of blackberries, coffee and liqourice emerged. On the palate, it was dry and medium-full bodied, with medium level of balanced acidity, medium level of chalky tannin and evident stony minerality. The long finish was packed with flavours of black pepper, violets, cocoa and black tea.
The blend consisted of 95% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre, and the vines were grown on round pebbles on iron-rich clay subsoil. It was fermented with whole-bunch and whole-berry to achieve lifted aromatic complexity. The wine was certified organic.
Renowned wine critic, Jeb Dunnuck, commented that it reminded him of a top Crozes-Hermitage. I would add that it resembled Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage for the farmyard and earthy characters, plus the lifted aromatics from whole-bunch fermentation. Having said that, Crozes-Hermitage in moderate continental climate, had more acidity and freshness, while Costières-de-Nîmes, influenced by hot Mediterranean climate, was more robust and alcoholic.
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3/2/2020 - CheviotCellar Likes this wine: 89 Points
95% syrah and 5% mourvedre. Nose has blackberry, fennel, and woodsmoke. Pure, primary fruit flavors of black grapes and tart red cherries. Not too spicy, floral or funky; Light tannins, medium acid, savory palate, and long, cool menthol finish.
I initially scored this an 87 but on day 2 it picked up very nice weight and stood up to a strong lemon ginger chicken dish in a positive way that I didn’t expect. This is a well made wine with a rich palate. Per the label, “give it time after opening”, like 4-6 hours or more.
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9/22/2019 - Lord Marc Likes this wine: 88 Points
I was very impressed with this wine, the balance of fruit and tannins was perfect. Not at all like Australian Syrah, this had a touch more fruit and overall better body and flavour. Got better with a little decanting but overall would buy again. This would be an excellent Restaurant wine at this price point.
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