Winery
of the Week:
Inviting Rhone Reds from the Livermore Valley
The
Livermore Valley, located just southwest of the San
Francisco Bay, is an ideal area for growing Rhone grape varieties.
Yet, it seems to slip under most people's radars. Well, not
ours. Here are some of the fine red Rhone wines that our panel
sampled from the region.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Longevity
2009 "Deb.ru.ee" Blend
Winery:
Longevity
Grape(s): 48% Syrah, 25% Mouvedre, 20%
Grenache, & 7% Petite Sirah
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
Aromatics of black cherries, plums, and blackberries interweave
with cocoa and clove on the nose. The palate delivers
flavors of blackberry, cherry, and raspberry that meld
with hints of vanilla and dark chocolate. A rich, dark
wine with plush tannins, fans of smooth red blends will
enjoy this bottle. 104 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Dante
Robere 2012 Syrah
Winery:
JDante Robere
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 30-35
Review:
Fragrances of cherries, plums, and blackberries coalesce
with hints of bacon and spice on the nose. A sip delivers
flavors of black cherry, plum, and bramble fruit accented
by notes of smoked meat and pepper on the palate. A smooth
Syrah with plush flavors, fans of easy-going reds with
robust flavors should try this bottle.
Rating: 88 |
|
Fenestra
2010 Mourvèdre
Winery:
Fenestra
Grape(s): 100% Mourvèdre
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
A bouquet of cherries, plums, vanilla, and pepper rises
up from a glass. Flavors of cherry, boysenberry, and plum
mingle with suggestions of spice, vanilla, and minerals.
A lighter, vibrant red with smooth tannins, enjoy a bottle
with grilled chicken or mild Mexican dishes. 170 cases
produced.
Rating: 89 |
|
Fenestra
2010 "Infrared" Blend
Winery:
Fenestra
Grape(s): 43% Grenache, 39% Syrah, &
18% Mourvèdre
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 30-35
Review:
Aromatics of cherries, strawberries, and raspberries come
together with notes of tobacco and vanilla on the nose.
The palate offers flavors of cherry, strawberry, and red
currant framed by traces of clove, minerals, and white
pepper. A lighter red with bright fruity highlights, it's
a great wine for summer cookouts. Just 83 cases were made.
Rating: 88 |
|
Fenestra
2009 Syrah
Winery:
Fenestra
Grape(s): 94% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre,
& 2% Grenache
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromas of bramble fruit and plums meld with notes of game,
vanilla, and toasty oak on the nose. A sip delivers flavors
of blackberry, plum, and black cherry accented by nuances
of pepper, leather, and vanilla on the palate. Rich and
bold, enjoy a bottle with gourmet sausages now or give
it a few years to age in the cellar. 186 cases were made.
Rating: 89 |
|
Les
Chesnes 2012 Mourvèdre
Winery:
Les Chesnes
Grape(s): 100% Mourvèdre
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 30-35
Review:
Fragrances of dried cherries, red currants, minerals,
and white pepper greet the senses. Notes of raspberry,
cherry, and red currant interweave with hints of spice,
earth, and cedar on the palate. A lighter wine with plush
tannins, fan of easy-going reds with an earthy, spicy
character should try this bottle.
Rating: 88 |
|
Les
Chesnes 2011 Syrah
Winery:
Les Chesnes
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 25-30
Review:
Notes of cherries and blackberries are accented by gamy
and mineral suggestions on the nose. The palate delivers
flavors of bramble fruit and black cherry that unfold
into traces of dusty earth and spice. A dark Syrah with
robust tannins, this wine will pair well with gamier meats
like lamb or venison.
Rating: 87 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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