Back from N. Rhone

WINE TALK
1

Hi all,

Just got back to Copenhagen area from Valence (1.000 miles, quite a drive) on a family trip with a tiny bit of wine exploring as well.

Tasted at Cave de Tain (almost cleared them out of the 2015 Cornas Arènes Sauvages flirtysmile ), Alain Voge, Domaine du Tunnel and Domaine Courbis, and except for wearing masks and spitting into disposable cups, it was almost as if the world was normal again for half a day. Especially Courbis blew us away with a fantastic house style and great people as well.

Anyway, it’s around midnight and I’m almost done entering my purchases into CT, and I got to thinking about what (who) opened my eyes to N. Rhone: None other than the two gentlemen Greg Kramer and Dan Kravitz who each went out of their way to set me up with a couple of tastings back in 2017 when I first visited the area. Three years later I still remember (and benefit from) your kind acts. Thanks again guys, and cheers!

2

I wish more of the Cave de Tain offerings were easily/readily available in the US

3

How come you didn’t visit Chapoutier, Guigal or Delas? flirtysmile

4

[cheers.gif] [welldone.gif] [blush2.gif]

5

How was the rest of Cave de Tain’s line-up? It’s one of the really lower-priced Crozes-Hermitage and St-Joseph I can find around me

6

Didn’t know they weren’t. It’s surprising to me, since their volume is very high and I know at least one importer stateside. In Denmark it’s even available in a couple of large supermarkets [scratch.gif]

7

Good question. I was traveling with my wife and six year old, and “wine time” was limited to a single day. CdT was a must-go because of the Arènes Sauvages and I had decided to go to only one co-op and the rest domaines. Having said that, when I tried the Chapoutier St. Joseph at a local brasserie, I began to question that decision. It was delicious and I think we’ll go there next time. Thanks for reminding me!

8

To me, they are very well made and also diverse. They do a large number of different lieu-dits, especially in C-H, that are all very distinctive. I would like to highlight the St. Joseph as I find the aromatics to be highly seductive and the wine very well balanced. Plus, I think the value is hard to beat.

Nevertheless, I find it’s the whites that deserve a special mention. Ranging from the basic/generic C-H and St. Jo, their hard work with Marsanne creates smooth, waxy and complex whites.
Thank me later champagne.gif

9

K&L and Total Wine carry some of their bottlings, but only the big production ones. I have seen Gambert de Loche Hermitage on the shelf though.

10

Got it. Pretty sure Hand Picked Selections carry them as well, but I better let Dan speak for himself on that matter.