2007 Domain Les Grand Bois Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cuvee Philippine

WINE TALK
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After finishing what was left from an 97 Insignia and 98 Beaucastel from last night, I decided to have a glass of the 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cuvee Philippine (50% Grenache, 35% Syrah, with Carignan and Mourvedre). This 07 CdR is a spectacular value and along with the Maximillian from the same producer, the two best examples of the numerous 07 CdR’s I have tested.
An almost black presence to the rim, a nose of huge smoke with meaty dark fruits, lavender, spices and slight vanilla. A very small hole in the mid-palate that I am certain will fill out in quick order or with some time in decanter. The wine is large and packed with a nice finish. A super value wine for the mid teens that is of CDP quality for less than half the price in this vintage.
flirtysmile flirtysmile flirtysmile flirtysmile 4 flirties for this puppy.

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Jack - we may not agree on politics but we can agree on this producer and their wines…good stuff.

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Tony, happily this is Winetalk so we should find some agreement. I have largely stopped posting on Politics so we will not disagree there either. [truce.gif]

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grouphug …a great QPR wine for sure…

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the flirty rating imho is one of the best rating systems of all time

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Melissa sent me an email when she changed the smilies stating “she included a few just for me”. I am not certain which ones she had in mind, err [bullshit.gif] [mouth-drop.gif] [barf.gif] but she clearly never expected this flirtysmile would become my TN signature.

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gotta run with what you got! haha

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Thanks for the note on this Jack. WineX has 3 or 4 wines from this producer right now I have been eyeballing for some test drives.

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Do they still have the cuvee Max? Just go buy a case of this. Awesome wine for the tab.

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I believe they do. I need to drop by there today so I’ll pick some up.

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I bought a case of the Max and I don’t like it. Too heavy on the violet element for my taste. I’ve had several bottles, given a few away and will now save the rest for a few years down the road. I’ve had about ten different 07 CDRs so far. Of those I like 3. From top to bottom: Domaine La Garrigue, St. Cosme and Pesquie Terasses (Ventoux). In fact this afternoon we’re going to taste the 05, 06 and 07 Pesquie. Should go well with Smoked Ribs Ala Landreth.

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We had the La Garrigue next to the Max the other night. As they are both outstanding in thier field, to me, I had to give the nod to the Max- love those violets, pepper, raspberry and kirsch. [winner.gif] It had a bit more weight than the Garrigue, IMHO.
Would like a touch more acidity in the 07’s in general, but that is just splitting hairs. Great vintage!

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I actually bought 2 cases of the Domaine La Garrigue and have enjoyed some but others were overtly tannic and just lacking to my palate.
It could be that the 2 come from different distributors. I love the Philippine far more than any bottle of the La Garrigue that I have enjoyed. In a different class.

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[quote=“Jack Bulkin”]I actually bought 2 cases of the Domaine La Garrigue and have enjoyed some but others were overtly tannic and just lacking to my palate.[quote]

They seem to soften and open more on night two. I’m letting mine sleep for a while.

Jack, my six yr. old daughter thinks your avatar is the greatest. flirtysmile [rofl.gif]

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Tell her my five year old picked it out. The ones it replaced got shot down by some here.

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Did I miss the half nude woman? [swoon.gif]

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The Max absolutely has more weight the La Garrigue but violets are just not my thing.