Upon Larry’s suggestion I just got in some Clementine Carter. Smashingly delicious.
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The 2010 Domaine Lafond ‘Roc Epine’ [Chateauneuf du Pape] is an example of a modern Rhone grenache driven blend^ - fleshy, plummy/pruney, licorice laden. This is a powerful year in the appellation so this bottling will not appeal to finesse fans and - all things considered - I too was disappointed with the money/time/rackspace given to this. But there are attributes to like here, especially on day 2 and after chilling, when kirsch, incense, cherry notes blossom. The legs are heavy here, tannin is resolved, the acid is low, while sediment/grit/cloudiness is low. Even though Phillipe Cambie (may his memory be a blessing!) was not involved here, whether it was the vintage or the mores of the time, it feels like his worldview touched this. I finished the bottle over a couple of nights, but would not repurchase their lineup, and would warn @Jay_Miller to steer clear of this, it’s pure kryptonite for his palate.
I was going to give this a B- but all aspects considered, time and a whole bottle, I’ll put it in the B zone.
^ the back label specifies 80% grenache with 10% syrah and 10% mourvedre
If we are talking Cannonau, the new gem is Teularju. Only started in 2017, but already making exceptional wine. Made from granite soils, the wines show a vibrancy that is quite rare for the grape.
There entry level Barbagia Rosso is a good starting point to see their style, but the Ghirada Ocruana is a wow wine. Very excited to see these with some age in the future.
Also Pierre Usseglio’s Chateaneuf-du-Pape Mon Aieul is 100% Grenache, and always a favorite of mine.
I love a good Grenache but to me it’s elusive and most I have tried are Meh. I do like Tribute to Grace. Recently had a nice one from Jamie Slone made from grapes from Portico Hills, it sold out quick.
Two of my BD purchases Clementine Carter and Stars and Dust are right up my alley based on previous experiences.
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Glad to hear it! Could not resist the description and had to order some.
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