Rhone Valley Wine Tasting at San Francisco Wine Trading Company
December 17, 2-5:30pm $10
The Rhone Valley has always been a bastion of high quality, reasonably priced wines and thankfully still remains so to this day. While the neighboring winegrowing regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy have seen a tenfold increase in the cost of their wines over the past 10-15 years, the Rhone still maintains its position as one of France’s premier sources for red and whites wines. Home to some of France’s most prestigious vineyards, the Rhone Valley has a little of something for every wine lover. From the soul-satisfying Cotes-du-Rhone to the age-worthy and incredibly powerful reds of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Hermitage, the Rhone Valley is an internationally celebrated source for outstanding red and white wines.
Featured Wines
2010 Mas Grand Plagniol, white Costieres de Nimes blanc Tradition $12.95 (Tasting Price $11.66)
Up until recently, the appellation of Costieres de Nimes belonged to the Languedoc region. However in 2004 it was incorporated into the Southern Rhone Valley and the reason cited for the transfer was the fact that the Costieres de Nimes style was more in line with the wines from the Rhone Valley. While reds from the region are relatively common, the whites are rather hard to come by. Mas Grand Plagniol’s 2010 Blanc is a wonderful example that is composed of 50% Roussanne, 40% Grenache Blanc, 10% Viognier and 5% Marsanne. Lovely floral notes of citrus blossom and honeysuckle abound followed by hints of marzipan, white nectarine and mango.
2009 Domaine Faury, white Saint-Joseph $29.95 (Tasting Price $26.96)
The 2009 Faury Blanc somehow manages to walk that fine line between grace and power, allure and restraint and flamboyancy and modesty. The nose has an earthy and yet aromatic character with orange blossoms and smoky minerals paving the way for the decadent palate of white peaches, clarified butter and passion fruit. On the finish you will find a whiff of white pepper and a bit of welcome spice in the form of crystallized ginger.
“A lush, flattering style, with creamed melon and glazed white peach flavors backed by fresh sweetened butter, dried pineapple and green fig notes. Creamy and long. Drink now through 2012. 100 cases imported.” –JM (91 WS)
2010 Andrieux & Fils, red Vacqueyras Vielles Vignes $19.95 (Tasting Price $17.96)
The 2010 vintage was a wildly successful year for the Rhone Valley with near-perfect weather conditions and a very even growing season. This sumptuous blend of roughly 75% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and 5% Syrah is a highly textured effort that embodies the very spirit of the Southern Rhone Valley. Ripe raspberry and blackberry fruit abound followed by hints of red licorice, dried herbs de Provence, toasted almonds and bittersweet chocolate. A classic Rhone Valley delight that really packs in the flavor at a very reasonable price.
2009 Andre Perret, red Saint-Joseph $29.95 (Tasting Price $26.96)
While perhaps better known for producing outstanding Viognier from the small Northern Rhone appellation of Condrieu, Andre Perret also happens to produce top-quality reds from Saint-Joseph. The 2009 is a stunning example of Andre’s talent both in the cellar and the vineyard. It overflows with lovely aromatics from red violets to wild game and crushed black peppercorns. The palate is smooth and sumptuous with lovely notes of ripe plum, blackberry preserves, herbs de Provence and leather.
2009 Domaine Les Pallieres, red Gigondas “Les Racines” $44.95 (Tasting Price $40.46)
This single vineyard Gigondas is a joint project between importer Kermit Lynch and the Brunier family of Vieux Telgraphe fame. The grapes are sourced from vines with an average age of 60-years old and yields are pathetically low. “The deep ruby-hued 2009 Gigondas Les Racines Vieilles Vignes offers a perfumed bouquet of crushed rocks, raspberries, black cherries, currants and hints of garrigue as well as spice box. Velvety-textured, opulent and long, with stunning purity and equilibrium, it should drink well for 10-15 years.” (91-94 WA)
2009 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe, red Chateauneuf-du-Pape “La Crau” $77.95 (Tasting Price $70.16)
“The wine is aged 18 months in foudres and concrete tanks. This classic offering had just been bottled before my visit, so it was probably tighter than it will be in 6-12 months. Deep ruby/purple-colored with notes of garrigue, seaweed, licorice, plums, black cherries and raspberries, it typically reveals a Mediterranean sea breeze-like character that is difficult to articulate. The sweetness of the tannin, full-bodied mouthfeel, and evolved style remind me somewhat of the 1983, which is still drinking beautifully. The 2009 can be consumed now or cellared for two decades.” (92 WA)
