WTN: Les Vins de Vienne "Sotanum" Collines Rhodanienne 2003

[Bill Hooper]

100% Syrah. This is the ménage a trois brainchild of Pierre Gaillard, Yves Cuilleron, and Francois Villard. The Collines Rhodanienne is actually north of Cote-Rotie and was highly regarded by centuries of vine-tenders from the Romans all the way until the mid nineteenth century (when it was eradicated by Phylloxera). Does this count as Northern Rhone? I'm going with a resounding MAYBE!!! It's freakishly good -unsurprising considering the three masterminds behind it. The fact that there was collaboration at all speaks volumes of the character of these men (can you imagine three Bordelaise behaving so well?). My take on the wines (there are several) is that they are like tribute poems to the land that has been so good to them. The Sotanum is muscular, but without being obnoxious or bruising (and well balanced considering the vintage). Deep purple Black cherry, pomegranate, grilled red meat, pemmican, lilac and green tea. It will clearly go for years despite its vintage handicap. 13,5% $50




Prost!
Bill

[Redwinger]

Thanks for posting. This area is completely new to me. Sounds like a very good wine although the price is a bit ouchy for my pocketbook.
BP

[James Roscoe]

I had a $10 Syrah from the same appelation. It was a bit thin and watery. It was also an '03. I would not buy it again. I can't recall the producer. It wasn't horrible. It was just an $8 quaffer not a $10 one.