TN: 2009 La Celestiere Côtes du Rhône - Garagiste Wine

The worm hole that Todd’s post on Carlisle opened up on RS made me think of this plonk that I opened the other night.

  • 2009 La Celestiere Côtes du Rhône - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (2/20/2011)
    Initially had high hopes given the nice nose. Had some smoke, scorched earth and spice. But the palate was a mess. Incredibly sweet with no structure. Fruit was too ripe and it made big cali-Rhone wines seem demur. Went down the drain after a glass. Wish I could say it was an off bottle. Two bottles showed the same. Thank you Garagiste for your incredibly misleading tasting note–bravo. (75 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

Not sure if it was RS, but I am sure it was crap. I’m seriously rethinking my decision to try new entry level red wines via Garagiste. The whites are usually a decent to good QPR, but I’ve had horrible luck with reds. I know Garagiste has its followers, and no doubt they make some killer offers on higher end reds, but I’m zero for six on entry levels reds.

Maybe if you retitled this “Cotes du Crapola and Jon Sux Big Time, and No, I did NOT let my wife or SO taste this out of love” or something along those lines, you would be able to generate some traffic over here to take the heat off Frenchbread.

Opened a bottle last night, and I agree- this is terrible. Opened a second bottle with same result.

Edit: Left the rest of the second bottle open over night. Will see if that helps.

Alan

These are exact quotes from JR’s email blast. This didn’t appeal to me…

“for those that lean toward big and full-flavored wines”

“the sheer mass of fruit comes to the forefront like a steam train drunk on a full load of gritty fuel”

“Light and delicate? Not a chance, but neither is the vintage”

“it is more serious in its own somewhat porty way”

Tom-

Rereading the notes, I dont know why I purchased this. This has all the red flags that I typically watch out for…maybe I misordered or replied to the wrong email.

Update: Drinking the 2nd bottle after being left open over night. A simple, but drinkable CDR. Will try a multiple hour decant next time.

Alan

I hate when that happens!! Sometimes too easy to just hit reply to JR’s spiels! I have been a much more restrained boy so far this year and it feels good. Plenty of wine in cellar to keep me busy.

Tasted this last night. Spoofed, ridiculous wine. My friend who opened it is a big fan. I graciously took a glass and moved on.