TN: 3 from Chateauneuf du Pape

WINE TALK
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Whilst perusing the wine selection in our friendly neighborhood Costco recently, I came upon the following item. Noting that I was: A. at present an unsigned free agent, and B. in need of some red Rhônes for Red Wings mojo, I asked myself once again, “How bad can it be?!” The Kirkland brand name gave me cause for pause, but I was reminded of Miles’ words of wisdom in the movie “Risky Business,” and took the plunge. I mean really, “sometimes, you just gotta say what the f*ck!

2007 Kirkland Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Nalys, 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 7% Vaccares, 3% Mourvedre-Muscardin, 14.5% alc., $19.99: Deep dark color and deep dark flavors and aromas of briar-bramble, rich black plum, black currant, black olive, coffee and earth. Fairly ripe for Chateauneuf du Pape, but then it’s very young and primary; full bodied, balanced and well structured. Pretty good for so youthful a wine, with plenty of promise for future development. The more it opens with air, the more I like it. A great value, all things considered.

Imported by DC Flynt MW Selections (Master of Wine), Lake Charles, LA

We also tried these two during the second round of the NHL playoffs (sorry Ducks fans).

2005 Domaine du Grand Tinel Chateauneuf du Pape, 14.5% alc.: Clean medium dark color, with an earthy, tarry nose that carries over on to the palate with a deep, dark black fruit core. Big and chewy; very well structured, with a fine future ahead of it, so be patient and see what it’s like at around 10 years of age.

Imported by J et R Selections, Mount Pleasant, MI

2001 Chateau Fortia Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Baron, $38.99, 14% alc.: Dark color, with a slight tinge of rust; sun baked nose follows through on the palate with smoky black currant, blackberry, stewed tomato and a little funky old wood. Full bodied, big and chewy, well structured and still on the way up. Give it some air and it’s really good now but it’ll be even better with at least 5 more years in the cellar.

Imported by Wines of France, Inc., Mountainside, NJ

- from Red Wings & Red Rhones Playoff Diary 2009-Round 2

Reporting from Day-twah,

geo t.

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Thanks for the notes, I gotta look for that Kirkland. The price sounds right.

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Geo, thanks for the notes. I’ve seen some of the Kirkland wines at Costco. Bordeaux, I think. And Champagne. What’s the deal? Are they grown and made especially for Costco? Or are they just relabeled?

4

We also had the Kirkland CdP over the last two nights. The Kirland name also gave me cause for pause but I remembered someone posting a favorable note somewhere so I took the chance. The first night we were not especially impressed, after all the good '07 Rhones we have been drinking this one was just okay. We tried it again last night and it was a completley different wine, full and lush, deep and dark fruited. We drank it too fast to take any notes, that’s when I know I like a wine. We will be buying more to put away for a couple years.

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Thanks for the feedback, all. Melissa, this is made for Costco by Domaine de Nalys. A good friend of mine has visited there and speaks very highly of their wines. This one is priced less than a lot of Vacqueyras and Gigondas these days, so it’s definitely worth trying and seeing what you think.

Eyeballing that Kirkland Champagne now I am…

:wink:

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Wine, beer, underwear, detergent… what’s next? (Unabashed pitch for you PhotoShop experts to strut your stuff)

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[laughingneqw.gif]

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Oh, WHEW! When I saw a file coming up, I feared it might be the “Kirkland” waistband from your underpants.

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Not going there. Nope. Uh uh…

(Is this what is known as a thread jacking…?)

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Not really. We’re still marginally on topic. Hey… it’s Kirkland stuff. When someone posts a note on Ridge Geyserville, is it wrong to mention Lytton Springs? :wink:

Back on topic. I’ve had a few half-bottles of the '01 Fortia because, well, there’s not a lot to be found in 375 and I like to buy them when Steve travels. Nice to see a note on the 750!

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Sometimes it’s relabeling and sometimes certain blends or barrels are designated for them. Sometimes it works out, other times not. The Kirkland 10 year Tawny port (by Fonseca for the kirkland brand) is horrible.

The CdP is pretty good but I’ve also had some 07 CdRs which are half the price and just as good.

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Oh, I suppose you’re right…

Is it the Cuvee du Baron you’ve had in 375? They make at least one other bottling I do believe.