Updates
Issue 3 notes…
Finally, all of the notes from the last newsletter are in the searchable database… I still have a few minor clean ups but I think everything is linked up correctly. Any miss spellings or inaccuracy catches are very much appreciated (email me at jeb@therhonereport.com).
A small subset of recent note worthy bottles…
Eric Solomon - I had the good fortune to attend a tasting of Eric’s Colorado portfolio last week and the highlight was getting to compare the the ‘06/’07 Marcoux CdP and Vieilles Vignes… I love this producer and the wines show stunningly pure Grenache characters. The ’07s are just fantastic and their straight CdP is easily one of the top base cuvees of the vintage. Don’t get me wrong, I think the ’06s are impressive, but when tasted side by side, the ’07s truly shine. Disappointments, Mas Doix. The ‘05 Salanques and ‘06 Vieilles Vignes were both outstanding, but seemed well beneath prior vintages. Either way, the portfolio rocks across the board.
2001 E. Guigal St. Joseph Vignes de L’Hospice- ‘ello beautiful.. what a rocking bottle of Syrah… perfumed, smokey and packed with meaty notes, the palate is down right elegant, silky and shows gobs of vibrant acidity. Burg lovers that like a touch more wild aromatics would love this. Highly recommended and drinking well.
Wind Gap - I attend a dinner with Pax Mahle and was able to taste the ‘07 Sonoma Coast Syrah as well as the ‘07 Griffin’s Lair Syrah. Both well worth seeking out and the Griffin’s Lair is really something.
2007 Sans Liege The Offering - I grabbed this bottle locally for around 20 bucks. A blend of that’s mostly Grenache (49% Grenache, 37% Syrah,13% Mourvedre and 1% Viognier), it has awesome aromatics of cocoa powder, earthy black cherries and freshly laid pavement and the palate has plenty of freshness and fruit. An easy buy again.
I’ll have full notes on these in the next newsletter in May.
Other happenings…
I’ll be in Washington state from April 21st through the 25th tasting and visiting with producers for the next newsletter. If you have a favorite Washington state producer that you’d like to see included in the next edition, let me know!
Hospice du Rhone is coming up at the end of April. Hope to see you there.
That’s it!
As always, all the best and thanks for reading.
Jeb