WTN: Two Fine Côtes du Rhone Values
Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 7:57 am
- 2005 Clos du Mont Olivet Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes Montueil la Levade - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (5/19/2008)
Lots of berry fruit and garrigue with a warm earth background note. There's good structure and lots of persistence. A wonderful value ($12.99 before case discount) that bears a close family resemblance to the Mont Olivet CNdP. - 2005 Domaine de l'Ameillaud Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne (5/19/2008)
An immediate aromatic rush of crushed raspberry fruit is complemented by tar and spice notes. Flavors are direct & fruity, with some finishing spice, but little complexity at this stage. But the fruit is so delicious it's impossible to not want to drink it before it's had time to calm down & develop. Fantastic QPR at $11.99 before case discounts. This has the potential to be a truly outstanding wine if it does develop just a bit. If it doesn't so what, it's darned yummy as it is.