2015 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France, Rhone, Wine Review

This is a reasonably priced base level Chateauneuf that is consistently a good value. In the better vintages such as 2015, it can be outstanding. Ruby/purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, raspberries, garrique, char and spice. Medium bodied. On the palate, this has bold cherry fruit, a bit of spice and slight char. It is drinking well now and will continue to over the next seven to ten years. It is a great match for casseroles or on its own.

Grade:

A-

Score:

Vintage:

2015

Current Price:

$40.00USD

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Rhone Valley & Spanish Rhone-style Wines Tasted at the 2008 Hospice du Rhone Events

The Rhone Report: About Rhone and Rhone-Style Wines and Winemakers is part of an ongoing series. Last month we reported on American Rhone-style wines we tasted at the 16th annual Hospice du Rhone events in Paso Robles, California from May 1 to 3, 2008. We noted that this event was an opportunity to consider Rhone-style wines from a fresh perspective because, unlike most tasting opportunities, these events included Rhone-style wines from the Rhone Valley itself (51 wineries), elsewhere in France (4 wineries) as well as from Spain (4 wineries), Australia (17 wineries), South Africa (6 wineries), Chile (2 wineries), Argentina (1 winery) and the United States. While this was a California-dominated event, and while many of the Rhone Valley’s best producers weren’t represented, there was still sufficient European and other entries to make for interesting comparisons and contrasts.

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2016 Saint-Cosme Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France, Rhone, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$50.00USD

This is a producer who first got recognition for their fantastic Gigondas wines. They have since expanded their releases all over the southern and northern Rhone. Their Chateauneuf is also stellar. It is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and 10% each of Syrah and Cinsault. Deep ruby in color, purple at the core. The nose is tight upon opening. With air, raspberries, black raspberries and mineral/gravel emerge. On the palate, this is delicious. Lots of black cherry fruit with some raspberries. Medium tannins. Bright acidity. This will work well with roasts and casseroles. I

2016 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France, Rhone, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

A+

Current Price:

$65.00USD

What a great showing for this wine. Yes, it is still a bit young, but really one of the best showings from this house I have seen. Time to get a few more bottles. It is 75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault. Purple in color, ruby at the core. The nose is great with black raspberries, baking spices, garrique and slight lavender. Full bodied. Luxurious texture. Rich and full bodied. Medium tannins. Lots of concentrated black raspberry fruit over a bed of char and gravel. Long finish. Delicious. One of those wine when each sip makes one want another. It drinks g

2007 Clos des Brusquières Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France, Rhone, Wine Review

Vintage:

2007

Score:

Grade:

This is really in a nice place right now. Mature but enough fresh fruit to keep it edgy. Ruby in color, purple at the core. The nose has opened up on this showing black cherries, cherries, and plums along with spice and slight dried floral notes. On the palate, there is plenty of vibrant black cherry fruit. Deep with layers that open up quickly. Good acidity. Nice balance. No hurry but I think a few more years and it starts moving the other direction. Works well with a wide variety of foods. A great example of why cellaring top wines in ripe vintages might be a good strategy.

2007 Domaine de la Solitude (Lançon Père et Fils) Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Cornelia Constanza, France, Rhone, Wine Review

Vintage:

2007

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$83.00USD

This is drinking well. Probably at or close to peak at this point. Ruby/purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, black cherries, slight floral notes and garrique. On the palate, there is some oak showing though this is brought up more in tank than barrel. Perhaps just from concentrated old vine/stems? Cherries, black raspberries and slight funk. Starting to show some layering though that will doubtless expand over the next decade. I don't think it get's better but will continue to morph, so it depends on how you like them. Nice finish. This is very food friendly and would

2015 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France, Rhone, Wine Review

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2016 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France, Rhone, Wine Review

2007 Clos des Brusquières Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France, Rhone, Wine Review

2007 Domaine de la Solitude (Lançon Père et Fils) Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Cornelia Constanza, France, Rhone, Wine Review