Domaine d'Andézon 2011, Côtes du Rhône, France
This is absolutely delicious - a gorgeously rich Syrah, with 10% Grenache, from Importer Eric Soloman in partnership with winemaker Jean-François Nicq of Vignerons d’Estézargues. The wine is made from old vine Syrah grapes from one of the vineyard's best parcels - Andézon. Apparently, in the past, the grapes were previously sold in bulk to a famous producer in the Rhône Valley. Solomon seized the opportunity to create a customer cuvée. Thank you Eric. And Jean-François. This is a handsome, extremely charismatic Rhône Valley Syrah, soley tank fermented, with layers of flavor of dark berry fruit, touches of spice, a hint of smoke and bacon fat, and a seductive finish. Quite the French find at around $15! Go, search, wrap yourself around this one.
Creta Roble 2009, Ribera del Duero, Spain
There seem to be so many Tempranillos available on the market today. That's a good thing I suppose, though many seem to just not sing. This one, Creta Roble, on the other hand, has a mini choir going on. It is also an Eric Solomon collaboration, this time with winemaker Eric Fernandez. Together they have produced a 100% Tempranillo from the 70 year-old Pago de Cabarroso vineyard known for its impressive chalk (known as "creta") content. Chalk, significant here, is found in some of the best vineyards of the Ribera del Duero. Spain's Ribera del Duero wine region is a rising star and if you haven't had a wine from the region, start here. This Tempranillo is aged in recycled French and American oak barrels. At around $16, with a Wine Advocate score of 90+ points and notes describing "brooding bouquet of pencil shavings, espresso, Asian spices, incense, and assorted black fruits. Structured on the palate with layers of succulent fruit, this concentrated, lengthy effort admirably reflects the strength of the superb 2009 vintage. Drink this outstanding value over the next 4-5 years", you'll be charmed by this Spaniard.
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