NSMFOW February 2010--Rhones with Eric Olson

We gathered to taste some Rhones hand-picked by Eric Olson, the owner of Salem Wine Imports. These were all from his shop and most were meant to be good drinkers.

Served with a lovely tuna tartar and fried wontons.

• 2005 Domaine des Martinelles Hermitage Blanc 89 Points

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage

  Medium yellow color. Nose of pear/apple, honey, petrol. Similar on the palate with some melon as well. Nice mouthfeel. Decent minerality and acidity. Paired well with a tuna tartar.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

Spanned 2 courses. The main course was a lovely pan-seared venison steak, mushroom risotto, and sauteed greens.

• 2008 Domaine Alary Côtes du Rhône La Gerbaude 87 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

  Deep ruby color. Nose of dark fruits, soft perfume. Palate with blackberry, plum, some tar. Very smooth.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2007 Sélectionné par Laurence Féraud Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret 88 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret

  Dark ruby color. Nose of briary fruits and meat, some smoke. Palate of blackberry, plum, iron, tar, some garrique. Stronger tannic structure compared to the Alary. Better structure than the last time I tasted it.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2007 Domaine les Aphillanthes Cairanne L'Ancestrale du Puits 88 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Cairanne

  Dark ruby color. Nose of blackberry, cherry, plum with a floral component as well. Similar on the palate with some spice, tar, meat. Decent tannins. Enjoyable.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2007 Domaine Constant-Duquesnoy Vinsobres 87 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vinsobres

  Deep ruby to purple color. Nose slightly green at first but improved. Palate more brooding with dark fruits, tar, and stronger tannic structure. Needs to open up a bit.

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No

• 2007 Domaine les Pallières Gigondas Terrasse du Diable 88 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas

  Purple color. Big fruity, alcoholic nose. Palate of black fruits, liqueur, tar. Big tannins. Almost New World in structure.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2007 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau 91 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Dark ruby color. Nose of black/red fruits, herbs, some smoke, some alcohol. Similar on the palate. Very young but promising.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

Served with a lovely Nutella crepe.

• 2007 M. Chapoutier Banyuls Vin Doux Naturel 88 Points

  France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Banyuls

  Purple color. Nose of stewed, dark fruit, spice. Similar on the palate. Good balance, not overly sweet. Well made.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

Next month will be a blind BYO from our cellars.