Re: March Wine Focus - Wine Values ($20 and under)
Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2014 2:37 pm
Côtes du Rhône Terre des Aigles 2012 - Domaine Richaud - Alc.15% - (c.€10), made from Grenache 60%, Syrah 17%, Carignan 13%, Mourvèdre 6%, Counoise 4%. This estate is usually classed amongst those farming organically but there are no claims about it on the label.
Marcel Richaud is a magician. This lowly CdR has an elegance of shape, aroma and fruit which is not common in the region together with a lovely silky texture. Its pure notes of sweet cherry with dabs of kirsch make me think of the grandiose Ch.Rayas and at a more affordable level some of the wines from Domaine Gramenon further to the north where the climate is less warm than around Cairanne. Body is medium + with adequate firmness of the finish but no sense of burn which the 15% alcohol would lead me to expect. Very good indeed and QPR!!
Now I'm living in France, this is one of the estates from which I can mail order in confidence.
Marcel Richaud is a magician. This lowly CdR has an elegance of shape, aroma and fruit which is not common in the region together with a lovely silky texture. Its pure notes of sweet cherry with dabs of kirsch make me think of the grandiose Ch.Rayas and at a more affordable level some of the wines from Domaine Gramenon further to the north where the climate is less warm than around Cairanne. Body is medium + with adequate firmness of the finish but no sense of burn which the 15% alcohol would lead me to expect. Very good indeed and QPR!!
Now I'm living in France, this is one of the estates from which I can mail order in confidence.