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$21.95
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RP 92
RR 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $25.00
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92 points Robert Parker: "The 2010 Cotes du Rhone la Brunote (60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 10% Carignan aged 12 months in demi-muids) is another outstanding effort. An opaque ruby/purple color is followed by lots of creme de cassis, kirsch, lavender, spice box and licorice notes. The wine is full-bodied, textured and long. It should drink well for a decade. (Oct 2012)"
91+ points Rhone Report: "The most dense and rich of the lineup, the 2010 Domaine Daniel et Denis Alary Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne La Brunote is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvedre (there.s a small amount of carignan as well) that is aged all in old foudre. Meaty, dense, and loaded with notions of smoked meats, black fruits, licorice, and crushed rock-like minerality, this classic Cairanne is full-bodied, pure, and tannic on the finish. It will reward 2-3 years of bottle age, and have upwards of a decade or more of prime drinking. (Sep 2012)"
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$25.95
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RP 94
RR 93
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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94 points Robert Parker: "Alary’s top cuvee, the 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne Font d’Estevanas is a blend of equal parts old vine Grenache and Syrah, the latter planted in 1961, grown in the clay/limestone hillsides. Aged in older barriques and demi-muids, it is a fabulous unfiltered wine offering abundant notes of licorice, truffles, camphor, black currants, kirsch, raspberries and hints of white chocolate and dusty, loamy, earthy soils. It should drink well for a decade or more. (Oct 2012)"
93 points Rhone Report: "A smoking good Cairanne that's all from the lieu-dit La Font d'Estevenas, the 2010 Domaine Daniel et Denis Alary Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne La Font d'Estevenas. An even split of Grenache and Syrah that is aged all in neutral wood, it sports a dense, opaque ruby color to go with fantastic aromatics of blackberry and black raspberry, new leather, licorice, roasted herbs, and hints of flowers on the nose. This flows to a medium to full-bodied, rich, and layered wine that has a silky, polished texture, beautiful mid-palate depth, and impressive underlying tannin structure. It is superb now, yet should easily evolve gracefully for 10-12 years. (Sep 2012)"
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$17.95
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RR 92
RP 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $22.00
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92+ points Rhone Report: "More tight, backwards, and mineral-driven than the La Font d'Estévenas, the 2010 Domaine Daniel et Denis Alary Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne Vieilles Vignes is a blend of Grenache and Mourvedre that is aged all in neutral wood. It is a gorgeous, classy effort that delivers clean aromas of black cherry, spiced raspberries, licorice, crushed stone, pepper, and subtle roasted herbs. This elegant, yet concentrated Cairanne has a lively, energetic texture, great acidity, and fantastic persistence and focus on the finish. Give bottles 2-3 years in the cellar, and then enjoy over the following decade. (Sep 2012)"
91 points Robert Parker: "[$22 list] The 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne Vieilles Vignes is composed of 2/3 Grenache and the rest mostly Syrah with a tiny amount of old vine Carignan. It also is aged in tank and bottled unfiltered. A superb sleeper of the vintage, it boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as copious notes of black currants, black cherries, earth, pepper, spice box and a hint of mountain laurel. This full-throttle 2010 possesses sweet tannin as well as an intriguing texture. It should drink nicely for 4-6 years. (Oct 2012)"
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$14.95
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RP 90
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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90 points Robert Parker: "The 2010 La Grange Daniel Blanc Vin de Pays d'Orange is a tank-aged 100% Roussanne that sells for a remarkable $15 a bottle. It is a challenge to make good Roussanne as the skin has considerable tannin and any skin contact can result in an astringently flavored wine. However, that's not a problem with this Roussanne fruit bomb. Notes of waxy orange marmalade and honeysuckle jump from the glass of this light gold-colored 2010. Alary's oenologist, Olivier Roustang, is also the oenologist for the Chave family in Hermitage, which may help explain the brilliance of this white wine. Drink it over the next 12 months. (Aug 2011)"
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$18.95
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RP 91
RR 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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91 points Robert Parker: "Another winner is the 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cuvee des Galets Plan de Dieu. Fashioned from 45-65 year old vines, this unfiltered blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre is a killer value. It boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as stunning aromas of kirsch liqueur, licorice, camphor, tobacco leaf and underbrush. Spicy, peppery and loaded with fruit, this medium to full-bodied red is another crowd-pleasing, classic example of Provencal viticulture that should age nicely for 4-5 years. (Aug 2011)"
91 points Rhone Report: "A rock star value that is both rich and complex, the 2010 Plan de Dieu Cuvée des Galets is a blend of 60% Grenache, and equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre, that comes from tiny yields of only 20-22 hl/ha. It delivers beautifully fresh aromas of black fruits, underbrush, violets, and licorice that flow to medium to full-bodied, rich, and concentrated palate that possesses excellent freshness and a classy, elegant texture. It delivers way more quality than the price suggests, and will shine for 5-7 years. (Sep 2012)"
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$21.95
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RR 93
RP 90
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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93 points Rhone Report: "Even richer, with additional depth and richness, the 2010 Cuvée 3 Cépages is a blend of equal parts Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, that gets harvested all at the same time in October when the Mourvedre finally gets ripe. This results in ultra ripe Grenache and Syrah, and while it is no lightweight, it stays beautifully fresh and light on the palate. Deep, rich, and layered, with copious blackberry, toasted spice, dusty minerality, and ground pepper, this full-bodied Côtes du Rhône is uncommonly concentrated and possesses a brilliant textured, notable purity, and grippy tannin that gives the wine plenty of edge and cut on the blockbuster, heady finish. It is already reasonably approachable (I followed this bottle for three days), yet will be even better in another year, and drink well through 2017. (Sep 2012)"
90+ points Robert Parker: "Two late released 2010s include the 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Trois Cepages, an equal part blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah. It is a deep, structured effort revealing an impressively saturated dark ruby/plum/purple color in addition to abundant aromas of black currants, cherries, licorice, truffles and earth. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. (Oct 2012)"
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$28.95
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RR 92
RP 90
WS 90
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $34.00
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92 points Rhone Report: "Just bottled at the time of tasting, the 2010 Château de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel is a great Coudoulet. A blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah, and 20% Cinsault from 30-year-old vines, it delivers on all fronts with loads of garrigue, leather, bing cherry, and spice-box aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, deep, and structured, yet with a seamless, elegant feel, this is approachable now, yet will also evolve gracefully. It should hit full maturity around age 10 or so. (Sep 2012)"
90 points Robert Parker: "The real steal, however, is the 2010 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet red (an identical blend), which has really put on some weight and intensity since I tasted it last year. The wine displays oodles of licorice, black currant and black cherry liqueur with hints of damp forest floor and truffle. Sweet tannin, decent acidity and nice, attractive density make for an outstanding Cotes du Rhone to drink over the next 7-8 years. (Oct 2012)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$34 list] This is juicy and still a bit compact, with a mix of blackberry, plum and blueberry notes laced with licorice snap and backed by a long, spice-infused finish. A tarry hint lurks as well. Should stretch out after brief cellaring. Drink now through 2018. (10/31/12)"
90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(made from a blend of marsanne, bourboulenc and viognier, with a bit of clairette): Pale, green-tinged yellow. Fresh, assertively perfumed aromas of orange, pear and minerals, with a sexy floral quality adding complexity. Bright and focused yet silky on the palate, offering sappy citrus and orchard fruit flavors. Closes bright and nervy, with very good persistence to the orange zest and jasmine nuances. (May 2012)"
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$16.95
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RR 91
IWC 90
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $24.00
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91 points Rhone Report: "A fantastic Cotes du Rhone that's a blend of Grenache and Syrah from vineyards located in Visan, Vinsobres, and Estezargues (all southern Rhone communes), the 2010 J.L. Chave Selection Cotes du Rhone Mon Coeur delivers a classic array of bright black cherry, black currant, violets, garrigue, and licorice on the nose. Beautifully intense and rich aromatically, it doesn't lose a beat on the palate and is medium to full-bodied and loaded with fruit, showcasing notable purity, a voluptuous texture, and big, mouth coating tannin that emerges on the finish. It needs an hour of air to shine currently, and will be even better in a year or two. I would consume bottles over the coming 5-8 years, yet a decade of prime drinking isn't out of the question here. (Jun 2012)"
90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(made from fruit grown in Vinsobres, Cairanne and Rasteau): Deep ruby. Pungent, spice-accented aromas of black and blue fruits, olive and cola, with a sexy floral quality gaining strength with air. At once deep and lively, with powerful blueberry and bitter cherry flavors given spine and lift by smoky minerality. Closes with excellent clarity and length, leaving notes of violet and berry preserves behind. This wine always punches well above its weight; Jean-Louis Chave told me he buys fruit 'only from great appellations.' (May 2012)"
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$31.95
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WS 93
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $44.00
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93 points Wine Spectator: "[$44 list] Very nicely defined, with mouthwatering acidity driving the anise, plum sauce and bitter cherry flavors, while dark tobacco, bay and olive notes flitter through the background. Pure and very racy on the finish. Best from 2013 through 2023. 500 cases made (11/15/12)"
Importer notes: "100% Syrah. Concentrated nose of stone fruits. The mouth is full with soft but tight tannins. This wine is very generous and long-lasting with a fresh finish. Accompaniment advice: Red meat, meat casseroles, grilled meat, game, cheeses. Total production: 4,000 bottles."
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$13.95
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W&S 90
RR 89
WS 88
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock,
4
available
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List $24.00
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90 points and 'Year's Best Rhone,' Wine & Spirits: "[$24 list] From the joint venture between Laurence Féraud and André Brunel, this is compact and meaty. Finely raspy tannins and herbal complexity give its red fruit a wild edge, as well as a firm purchase on a grilled lamb steak. (Feb 2013)"
89 points Rhone Report: "[$24 list] An earthy, borderline herbaceous effort, the 2010 Féraud-Brunel Côtes du Rhône Villages offers up loads of sweet tobacco, currant bud, cracked pepper, and damp earth aromas and flavors that flow through a medium-bodied, juicy, and beautifully fruited palate. Showing more minerality with air, this has solid heft through the mid-palate and beautiful purity and sweetness of fruit. It is a round, mouth filling, and delicious southern Rhône that’s perfect for drinking over the coming 3-5 years. (Mar 2013)"
88 points Wine Spectator: "[$24 list] Dark plum skin and blackberry fruit flavors pump along, buttressed by notes of ganache and cocoa powder, with a smoky, medium-weight finish. Drink now. (6/15/12)"
This is a joint venture between Laurence Féraud of Domaine du Pégaü, and Andre Brunel of Domaine les Cailloux.
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$15.95
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RR 90
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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90 points Rhone Report: "A smoking Côtes du Rhône, the 2010 Domaine Grand Nicolet (70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Carignan, and 5% Mourvedre) is aged all in concrete tank and is a gorgeous example of Provencal viticulture. It delivers loads of black cherries, mineral, smoked earth, and dark chocolate-like qualities (very Rasteau-like actually) that flow to a full-bodied, rich, powerful 2010 that has layers of fruit, yet also a fair kick of tannin as well. Buy this beauty by the case, give it a year or two, and drink bottles over the following 4-6 years. (Sep 2012)"
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$18.95
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RR 92
WS 91
RP 90
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $28.00
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92+ points Rhone Report: "Even more serious and structured, the 2010 Domaine Grand Nicolet Rasteau Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 70% Grenache (from 60-year-old vines) and 30% Syrah (from 30-year-old vines) that has the Grenache aged in tank and the Syrah in 10% 1 and 2-year-old barrels. Big, mineral-driven and firm, with black cherry liqueur, spice-box, and new leather aromas and flavors all showing, this full-bodied, concentrated Rasteau needs a solid 2-3 years in the cellar. It will drink well for upwards of a decade. (Sep 2012)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "A broad, fleshy style, with lots of layered dark fig, hoisin sauce, roasted tobacco and melted licorice snap notes. Features a nice gutsy feel through the finish, with a flash of juniper. Solid. Drink now through 2015. 500 cases imported. (10/15/12)"
90 points Robert Parker: "[$28 list] Much better, the dense purple-colored 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau exhibits attractive black cherry, earthy, herbal notes intermixed with sweet plum, fig and prune characteristics. Full-bodied and chewy, it is ideal for drinking over the next decade. (Oct 2011)"
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$15.95
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RR 93
RP 90
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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93 points Rhone Report: "A stunning blend of 65% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 5% Carignan that is aged in barrique for 11 months, the 2010 Domaine les Grands Bois Cuvée Gabrielle possesses a deep purple color as well as fantastic aromatics of sweet blackberries, licorice, crushed flowers, coffee grinds, and plenty of loamy earth and sappy underbrush on the nose. Full-bodied and voluptuous on the palate, with a seamless, polished texture, fantastic concentration, and a ridiculous amount of persistence and length on the finish given the price tag, this knockout Côtes du Rhône Villages should be purchased by the case. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, it will drink well for 5-8 years. (Sep 2012)"
90 points Robert Parker: "The 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cuvee Gabrielle is a blend of 65% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 5% Carignan from 10- to 80-year-old vines, aged in barrique and neutral foudres. Bottled unfiltered, this deep, plum/purple-colored 2010 offers up black cherry, fig, roast beef, bouquet garni, licorice and soil notes. Deep, medium to full-bodied, rich and well-textured, it should drink well for 4-5 years. (Oct 2012)"
Producer notes: "Grenache 55%, Syrah 35%, and Carignan 10%. Beautiful garnet with slight bluish reflections. Subtle bouquet of strawberry, blackberry and violets. On the palate, initial impressions of fruit brandy, then a velvety texture with hints of green pepper, with closing notes of spice. A wine that is enjoyable today but with the stuffing to age well, too. Food pairing: Perfect with a fillet of beef with mushrooms or duck with spices."
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$24.95
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RP 93
RR 91–93
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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92-94 points Robert Parker: "The amazing 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Terre d’Argile may be just as good as the 2007. A black/ruby color is followed by abundant aromas of cassis, blackberries, black cherries, licorice and a hint of charcoal. The wine possesses good acidity, a full-bodied mouthfeel and terrific precision. It is a big wine that should age well for up to a decade. (Oct 2011)"
91-93+ points Rhone Report: "It's always a good sign with the first word in my notes is 'Wow"'and the 2010 Domaine de la Janasse Cotes du Rhone Villages Terre d'Argile looks to be the best vintage of this cuvee yet! Showing serious and intense aromas, this full-bodied, uncommonly rich Cotes du Rhone has layers of texture, brilliant concentration, and a very long finish. It should be approachable on release, but benefit from short to mid-term cellaring. Exciting stuff. (Sep 2011)"
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$18.95
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RR 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock,
9
available
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List $25.00
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91 points Rhone Report: "An outstanding Côtes du Rhône that has both complexity and richness, the 2010 La Ferme du Mont Côtes du Rhône Villages Le Ponnant possesses lots of sweet cherries, licorice, underbrush, and floral characteristics to go with a medium to full-bodied, elegant, and silky textured palate feel. Beautifully balance, fresh, and lively, with a finesse driven slant, this knockout 2010 is a serious value that will shine for 4-6 years. (Sep 2012)"
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$14.95
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RR 92
RP 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $26.00
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92 points Rhone Report: "Beautiful stuff and a classic Vacqueyras that's a non-destemmed, concrete aged blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and small amounts of Mourvedre and Cinsault, the 2010 Domaine La Garrigue Vacqueyras offers up lovely blackberry and assorted red fruits, green herbs, licorice, and loads of exotic flower like qualities. This medium to full-bodied, balanced, and elegant 2010 has building richness and a lively, energetic feel on the palate. It is delicious now, but will be even better in another year or two, and have upwards of a decade of overall longevity. (Sep 2012)"
91 points Robert Parker: "The 2010 Vacqueyras Traditionelle (15% natural alcohol)... offers sexy, open-knit notes of kirsch, black currants, loamy soil, pepper and garrigue. This opaque ruby/purple-hued, seductive, luscious, full-bodied Vacqueyras should drink nicely for a decade. (Oct 2012)"
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$21.95
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RR 91
RP 88–90
IWC 88–90
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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91 points Rhone Report: "A blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah that's aged all in concrete tank, the 2010 Les Halos de Jupiter Cotes du Rhone Villages Rasteau is a knockout red that offers textbook Rasteau qualities of ripe, licorice-soaked black fruits, rolled stones, lavender, and hints of chocolate on both the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied, gorgeously pure, and fresh, yet also ripe and exuberant, this textured beauty needs a short decant if drinking anytime soon, and
will continue to thrill for upwards of a decade. (Dec 2012)"
88-90+ points Robert Parker: "A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, the 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau reveals the appellation’s chocolaty, rustic character. It was completely destemmed and the practice of pigeage was utilized during the fermentation. This big wine needs to shed some of its tannin. Closed and dense with lots of minerality as well as inky fruit, give it 3-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 15 years. (Oct 2011)"
88-90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Opaque purple. Deep, smoky and pungent, offering aromas of black and blue fruits, licorice and black tea. Sappy and broad, with ripe blackberry and mulberry flavors that become spicier with air. The clinging finish features licorice and spice nuances. (May 2012)"
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$15.95
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RP 90–92
RR 90
IWC 89–90
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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90-92 points Robert Parker: "Made with fruit from both Cairanne and Domazon, the dense ruby/purple-tinged 2010 Cotes du Rhone (85% Grenache and 15% Syrah) is a sleeper of the vintage. With excellent texture as well as a full-bodied mouthfeel, this sensational Cotes du Rhone exhibits lusty black cherry, raspberry and cassis fruit intermixed with hints of lavender, subtle smoke and earth. Full-bodied and opulent, it will provide gorgeous drinking over the next 2-3 years. Buy this one by the case. (Oct 2011)"
90 points Rhone Report: "Pure and clean, the 2010 Les Halos de Jupiter Cotes du Rhone has knockout southern Rhone flair with mineral-laced cherries, currants, melted licorice, and meaty notes all emerging from the glass. Medium to full-bodied, supple, and upfront, with layers of fruit and texture, it.s straight up delicious effort meant for enjoying over the coming 3-5 years. (Dec 2012)"
89-90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(made from fruit grown in Rasteau, Cairanne and Signargues, the most southern Cotes du Rhone-Villages vineyard, situated just southwest of Avignon): Deep ruby. Fresh red fruits and spices on the nose and palate. Gains weight with air but doesn't lose any of its vivacity. Juicy, taut wine with good energy and lift on the spicy, persistent finish. (May 2012)"
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$33.95
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RR 94
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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94 points Rhone Report: "The best vintage of this cuvee to date, the stunning 2010 Domaine de la Mordorée Lirac Cuvée de la Reine des Bois is a blend of equal parts Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre that was aged 70% in stainless steel, and 30% in oak casks. Incredibly elegant and poised, yet with lavish richness, concentration and depth, this full-bodied effort possesses classy, complex aromas of dark fruits, licorice, spice-box, and assorted crushed flower characteristics. Quite possibly the greatest Lirac I have tasted, this beauty needs 2-3 years of bottle age, and will have upwards of a decade of total longevity. (Sep 2012)"
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$55.95
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WS 94
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock,
9
available
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94 points Wine Spectator: "This shows ripe, almost gutsy notes of marmalade and apricot, but it stays fresh and racy, with peach pit, bitter almond and star fruit notes coursing through the long, mouthwatering finish. A lovely combination of weight and zip. Drink now through 2015. 941 cases made. (8/29/12)"
Gault & Millau on the 2009 vintage: "100% Viognier. The Condrieu Les Terrasses du Palat is a lesson in seduction. Captivating notes of fresh flowers and juicy apricot. The breeding proves to be classy, touching and sweet while coating the palate without falling into heaviness. Class! Nose: fruity, woody. Mouth: powerful white, creamy. Alcohol 13.5%. Drink: now up to 2018. Food accompaniments: Sweet/salty cuisine. Spicy Asian cuisine (curry, Thai, Indian)."
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$29.95
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WS 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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91 points Wine Spectator: "This bold, creamy style displays lots of mango and peach notes, liberally laced with toasted hazelnut, buttered brioche and dried pineapple flavors. The long, creamy finish is very tropical. Drink now. 841 cases made. (10/31/12)"
100% Marsanne from 20-year-old vines in the village of Saint Péray. Barrel fermentation (25% new) at low temperature for 6 months with bâtonnage once a week. Indigenous yeasts. Aged in barrels for 10 months.
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