FRIDAY EVENING 6-9PM
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
Châteauneuf-du-Pape roughly translates to "New Castle of the Pope"
and, indeed, the history of this commune and its wine is firmly
entwined with papal history. In 1308, Pope Clement V, former Archbishop
of Bordeaux, relocated the papacy to the city of Avignon. Clement V and
subsequent "Avignon Popes" were said to be great lovers of Burgundy
wines and did much to promote it during the seventy-year duration of
the Avignon Papacy. At the time, winegrowing around the town of Avignon
was anything but illustrious. While the Avignon Papacy did much to
advance the notoriety of Burgundy wines, they were also promoting the
local viticulture.
Clement V was succeeded by John XXII who, as well as Burgundy
wine, regularly drank the wines from the vineyards to the north and did
much to improve viticultural practices there. Under John XXII, the
wines of this area came to be known as "Vin du Pape", this term later
to become Châteauneuf-du-Pape. John XXII is also responsible for
erecting the famous castle which stands as a symbol for the appellation.
Thirteen different grape varieties are allowed under
terms of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape Apellation: Grenache, Syrah,
Mourvèdre, Cinsaut, Counoise, Terret Noir, Muscardin and Vaccarèse, and
white varieties Clairette, Roussanne, Picpoul, Picardan and Bourboulenc.
Cotes-du-Rhone & Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tasting
Free Tasting
Reserve Grand Veneur
Cotes du Rhone rose 2006
Soil: clay and limestone.
Vinification: temperature-controlled fermentatin in vats.
Early bottling, 6 months after harvest.
50% Grenache, 30% Syrah et 20% Cinsault.
Salmon-pink
color, clear and brilliant. The nose is fruity and spicy, reminiscent
of wild strawberry and fine Provençal spices. The palate is full,
well-balanced and fruity, with a long and fresh finish.
Heritage des Caves des Papes 2005
Cotes du Rhone
Aged in Oak Casks for 12 Months
Chateau de Segries 2005
Cotes du Rhone
Age of the vines: 30 years.
50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, 10% Carignan,
Vinification:
8 days skin maceration in temperature controlled vats. 90% tank, 10%
barrel. The wine is ripe, rich and round, with black raspberry, white
pepper and spice flavors. Ample fruit in the mid-palate.
Domaine des Hauts Chassis
Crozes Hermitage 2005
100% Syrah
Domaine Grand Veneur
Les Champauvins
Cotes du Rhone Villages 2005
70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre.
Intense, brilliant
garnet-red color. Typical ripe red berries aromas . The tannic
structure is elegant and smooth. The finish is dominated by slight
touches of spices and truffles. A complete, rich and fine wine.
"Consistently one of the best values and sleeper selections from
the southern Rhone is Grand Veneur's Côtes du Rhône-Villages Les
Champauvins. This wine is consistently outstanding, seemingly
regardless of vintage conditions, and 2005 is another knock-out
offering. Full-bodied with a deep ruby/purple color, hints of licorice,
kirsch liqueur, raspberries, and loads of fruit in a full-bodied
luscious style, it should drink well for 4-5 years.
Wine Advocate (issue 169), 90 pts
Domaine Cros de Romet 2005
Cairanne
Cotes du Rhone Villages
Juicy
and well-rounded, with polished tannins carrying plum sauce, black
licorice and fig paste flavors, all kept lively by a nice buried
minerality. Drink now through 2008. -JM
Score: 90 WINE SPECTATOR
Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes 2004
91 Points Wine Spectator
92 Points Robert Parker
WINE FLIGHT ($10.00)
Domaine Saint-Gayan
Fontmaria
Gigondas 2001
Domaine de la Cote de l'Ange 2005
Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Mas des Boislauzon 2005
Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Domaine Pierre Andre 2003
Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Chateau Fortia 2005
Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC
