TN: 2009 Chateau des Tours CdR

WINE TALK
1

Wow, what a simple wine. I’m disappointed. Had some CO2 fizz which I shook out and it blew off. It was classic light and elegant Rayas house Grenache, but I found it lacked depth, complexity and length. Pricey too.

I’ve been trying similar styled wine recently. Limited the experiments may be, but I really much prefer A Tribute to Grace Santa Barbara. But’s it is even more pricey. But in comparison, worth it. Another Calif Grenache, Birichino, was another more entry level entry in the my sweepstakes that impressed me and I need to try again soon to compare.

2

I really like the Birichino. Made by some local folks (Santa Cruz) - really great people that got their start at Bonnie Doon Winery years ago. John, one of the wine makers, works at a great wine bar / restaurant in town called Soif. Highly recommended if you are ever in the area. More international rather than California focused which has expanded my wine world quite a bit. Excellent food - some of the best in town.

3

So funny how this thread is panning out.
I just went to a Rayas dinner the other night, and while I thought the des Tours CDR 2009 was a bit sweet, I chalked it up to youthful exuberance. It needs time, but what I tasted showed far better than what you had. Call it a bad bottle.

Birichino though…yeah, I’ll hold back, just know we won’t be stocking those any time soon. If you want euro-style Grenache, try Vallin.

4

Two hours later it still has a fizz. And the fizz has a bit of burn to it. Maybe it’s CO2, or maybe it’s a re-fermentation and an increase in alcohol? I don’t know. But I’m taking the retailer up on his offer to bring it back in. I will opt for the exchange instead of a refund so I can give it another go. I remember this wine, in older vintages, showing a lot better.

5

Pricey? At 12 € ?
[scratch.gif]

A great lot of wine for that price!

(I also suppose it has been shipped too warm across the ocean … and your 3-fold retail system has increased the price to 30+ $ … right?)

6

In Calgary, Canada, make that $35. I can get a lot of great CdR for $20-$25. I doubt the shipping was an issue. The importer is careful about that.

7

I’ve really enjoyed the 2008 vintage. Didn’t have any fizz. Cooler year and felt it had better complexity than the 2009.

8

I returned and exchanged the bottle for another. They thought it was oxidized. The second one was too. So I got my money back. They will send the rest back to the importer/agent. I won’t be trying any more of the 09, since they won’t have any more. I’ll give the 2010 try when it comes in though. I haven’t had any since the 2003, and I know this wine can be good even in a ripe year.