2001 Domaine La Garrigue Cuvee Romaine Cotes Du Rhone

A big Cotes du Rhone, with a generous 14.0% Alc/Vol. Is this a French wine dressed up as an Aussie impostor – well yes and no. The primary ‘joosy’ fruit middle palate is definitely new world inspired yet, without compromising their integrity totally, the French have retained their very fine, very dry lingering tannin backbone. Very deep crimson colour with deep crimson hue. On the nose a top note of spice emerges, followed by liquorice and a hint of anise, raspberry and animal. The palate has plenty of palate weight and strong primary fruit flavours. Very fine dry tannins, which continue well into the aftertaste.
Cellar 4-5 years (2008-2009)
Alc/Vol: 14.0%
RATING: 91/100
VALUE: XXXX/5

Notes sourced from erobertparker.com

Believe me, this wine will shock the bejesus out of you. An 8,000-case custom cuvee (no new oak, just oodles of fruit and character), importer Eric Solomon has hit the bull’s eye with this blend of 75% old vine Grenache and the balance Syrah and Mourvedre. A thick, inky/purple color is followed by a knock-out perfume of melted licorice, roasted meats, black cherries, and blackberry jam. This full-throttle, pedal to the metal Cotes du Rhone tastes like a top-flight Chateauneuf du Pape. It is declassified Vacqueyras that the importer convinced this traditionally run domaine to bottle early as well as unfiltered. The texture is opulent, and the wine is an astonishing value. Drink it over the next decade. Ka-boom! This wine held up beautifully for three days without oxidation.
Rating: 91 Points

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