Description
This is yet another tasty bargain from Southern France. It is hard to believe the quality of this wine after looking at the price. It is a delicious, well-made, balanced blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 20% Carignan, that simply outperforms on every level. Clean, flavorful, and very satisfying, it is a wine that is not only quaffable, but also serious enough to stand up to some pretty sophisticated foods. It walks that thin line between fine wine and fun wine, with complex flavors that are yummy and bring a smile to one’s face as it is sipped. Nestled in the heart of the Rhône Valley, at the northerly tip of the Southern Rhône, lie the vineyards of Grignan-Les-Adhémar. Chances are you haven’t heard of the appellation, few people have, but the wines are worth seeking out. It is not a new wine region—vines have been planted here since around 500BC, in what was formerly known as Côteaux-du-Tricastin. The Aubert Brothers, Claude, Alain and Yves, assumed the family property in 1981 and have expanded the vineyard holdings to more than 280 hectares since then.
The nose is expressive with notes of dark berry fruit and a gentle, earthy mineral character. The palate is full, rich and smooth, with dark berry and cherry flavors along with some spicy, meaty qualities. The finish is long, textured and nicely balanced.