Wines
of the Week:
Sips from Roussillon, France
Shaped
like an amphitheater and nestled in the South
of France between Spain, the Mediterranean Sea, the Pyrenees
and the Corbières Mountains, Roussillon is known for
its diversity of wines and terroirs. The region's unique geology
and microclimates allows each of the 23 authorized grape varieties
to reach its fullest expression in these soils. Here's a few
selections our panel tasted from the area:
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Orin
Swift 2009 Côtes Catalanes D66
Winery:
Orin Swift
Grape(s): Grenache, Syrah,, and Carignan
Region: Roussillon, France
Year:
2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 30-35
Review:
Aromas of plums, dark cherries, and sweet blackberries
meld with hints of herbs and all-spice. Flavors of ripe
plum, black cherry, and boysenberry come together with
traces of clove, ginger, and herbs on the palate. Plush
tannins and ample fruit make this wine a fine accompaniment
for lamb.
Rating: 87 |
|
Chateau
St Roch, Chimeres 2013 Côtes du Roussillon Villages
Winery:
Chateau St Roch,
Grape(s): 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah &
10% Carignan
Region: Roussillon, France
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Fragrances of blackberries, currants, earth, and spice
rise up from a glass. The palate showcases flavors of
black currant, dark cherry, and blackberry, alongside
accents of anise, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Lots
of dark fruit combines nicely with little kicks of spice
for a lovely, approachable blend.
Rating: 89 |
 |
Le
Roc des Anges 2014 'Effet Papillon' Côtes du Roussillon
Blanc
Winery:
Le Roc des Anges
Grape(s): 100% Grenache Blanc
Region: Roussillon, France
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Aromatics of melons and lemons mingle with suggestions
of white blossoms and minerals on the nose. A sip reveals
flavors of passion fruit, lemon, and honeydew that open
up into whispers of toasted almonds and flowers. With
bright flavors and a fresh acidity, pair a bottle with
"herbed" chicken breasts from the grill.
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 |
|
|
