2013 GIGONDAS
PIERRE AIGUILLE 

 

Paul Jaboulet Aîné is considered by many to be one of the greatest producers in the Rhone Valley in France.  You’ll even find their 1961 Hermitage La Chapelle included on the Wine Spectator’s list of the top 12 wines of last Century, alongside Chateau Latour, Domaine de la Romanée Conti, Chateau d’Yquem and other absolutely iconic wines.  Jaboulet’s 2013 Gigondas  Pierre Aiguille made a lasting impression on me at our recent tasting.  I was struck by the overall balance of the wine, and intermixed were classic notes of white pepper, vivid red berries, subtle smoke and wild game.  Gigondas is located in the Southern Rhone Valley of France where Grenache is reigns superior.  If you’re looking for an easy drinking, classic Rhone red wine to enjoy, this is it… Especially at under thirty bucks… 

 

The Pierre Aiguille is a textbook combination of 80% Grenache blended with equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre and comes from nearly 1/2 century old vines grown in the shadows of Les Dentelles de Montmirail.  In the glass, the wine opens up to wild berries, liquid floral, cured meats and subtle woodsmoke.  The wine is firm and persistent with plenty of well integrated, finely grained tannins that support the plush, round mouthfeel.  At $27.99, you may want to get enough to share.    

 

Retails at:  $35.00/btl

 

 

From Vinous:“Limpid ruby. Perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, peppery spices and potpourri, complicated by a woodsmoke nuance. Silky, expansive and gently sweet, offering concentrated raspberry liqueur and lavender pastille flavors and an allspice quality that builds on the back half. Finishes sweet, sappy and persistent, with firming fine-grained tannins adding grip.” 90 Points

 

SANS LIEGE 2015 THE OFFERING PROPRIETARY BLEND   Your Price: $29/btl  Click to Order   Made in a magnetic style that draws you in with lavish aromas that become increasingly compelling with aeration, Sans Liege’s Southern Rhone inspired blend The Offering is wine that I simply love.  A remarkable fusion of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, the 2015 saturates your taste buds with a velvety texture, intermixed with vibrant red fruits, crème de cassis, juicy blackberries, and savory spices that you coming back for more.

WESTWOOD 2015 LEGEND PROPRIETARY RED Retails at:  $44.00/btl   Your Price: Join Our Email List to Unlock Special Offers Click to Order   From Tasting Panel: “… (25% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 15% Zinfandel and 10% Tannat) … The perfume is primarily floral: gardenia, red rose petals – with accents on red plum and an echo of black pepper. The palate is a silk road with gritty chocolate tannins. But the ruby slippers that carry you down the path bursts with red plum, dark chocolate cherries, exotic jasmine and grilled meat with soy sauce. The finish is pleasurable with a creamy cedar note.”  95 Points