Winery
of the Week:
Bonpas - Rhone Valley, France
Since
1318, the fortified stronghold of Bonpas, from
the French "Bon Passage," has watched over the safe
crossing of the Durance river along the historic route that
once linked Rome with Avignon. As a gateway to the southern
Côtes-du-Rhône, their wines are marked by the particular
expression of the region. Here's what our tasting panel thought
about a few of their offerings:
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Bonpas
2013 Luberon
Winery:
Bonpas
Grape(s): 50 % Grenache blanc, 20% Bourboulenc,
20% Clairette & 10 % Vermentino
Region: Rhone Valley, France
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 5-10
Review:
A bouquet of stone fruits, mango, and white blossoms greets
the senses. The palate showcases flavors of tropical fruit,
tangerine, and peach that come together with whispers
of orange blossom and minerals. Round with lively floral
highlights, it's a fine value; enjoy as an aperitif or
with pork chops.
Rating: 88 |
|
Réserve
de Bonpas 2010 Cotes Du Rhone
Winery:
Bonpas
Grape(s): Grenache, Syrah, & Mourvèdre
Region: Rhone Valley, France
Year:
2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Aromatics of cherries, blackberries, and plums meld with
accents of pepper and earth on the nose. A sip delivers
flavors of black cherry, plum, and blackberry that flow
into highlights of spice, smoked meat, and minerals. A
food-friendly acidity, plush tannins, and vibrant flavors
make this wine a good match for gourmet sausages.
Rating: 88 |
|
Réserve
de Bonpas 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Winery:
Bonpas
Grape(s): Grenache, Syrah, & Mourvèdre
Region: Rhone Valley, France
Year:
2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 40-45
Review:
Blackberry, currant, and dark cherry aromas mingle with
traces of dark chocolate, anise, and spice on the nose.
Flavors of cherries, bramble fruits, and plums interweave
with nuances of white pepper, cocoa, and anise on the
palate. Smooth and dark, with ample fruit and mellowed
tannins, fans of supple Rhone blends ought to try this
bottle.
Rating: 89 |
See
more at: (click
here)
Note:
Wines rated with a "+" have not yet reached their
peak quality but will do so over the next few years
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
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