NY Times on CdP

WINE TALK
1

Eric Asimov reviewed a few CdP in his NY Times Column. I was able to get my hands on one of the reviewed wines:

2010 Domaine Moulin-Tacussel Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Bought it for USD 32 at Chambers Street Wine. I understand they then sold 50 cases in about 10 hours. Couple of days go by and you cant find them for less than USD 55. Anyway, I found his review right on the money. I have little experience with CdP and have often heard how the region has gone towards a very lush fruit forward style. This wine in particular was quite savory with a firm tannic structure. A very interesting wine and definitely not a fruit bomb by any sense of the imagination. Wanted to buy more after I tried one bottle but it has now doubled in price(or has pretty much disappeared). Anyone has a recommendation of a similar CdP in the 30’s price range?

2

I haven’t bought CdP in years but I didn’t think there were many left in the $30’s price range. Monpertuis and Mont Redon are two that would fit the style and may still fit the price range.

3

One can still find CdPs in the $35 and even $30 range, though one may have to hunt. Bois de Boursan’s and Clos Mt. Olivet’s traditional cuvées are usually in this range. Pierre Usseglio shows up at around that price. So does Bastide St. Dominique. If you stay away from the luxury cuvées made by these producers, you’ll get a nice bottle of wine. I liked Asimov’s article, but it’s silly to get hung up on one wine that showed particularly well in one tasting.

4

I agree on the Moulin-Tacussel. Based on a blind tasting earlier this year, I bought that and the Texier.