2009 Chateau Bizard Serre de Courrent Coteaux du Tricastin

 This estate falls under the supervision of star Rhone viticultural consultant, Phillipe Cambie, a man who seems as ubiquitous in the region's vineyards as he is consistently brilliant. Of the four different estates represented in our 2009 shipment he is the common driving force. A legendary Rhône consultant, Phillippe Cambie, whom we first introduced by way of our 2007 Rhone offers, is a man whose huge physical proportions are matched by his obsession for ripe fruit and an uncanny ability on the blending table (backed up by a track record for re-invigorating estates stagnating in tradition). Cambie also consults to many of the top wines in Chateauneuf du Pape, including Pegau and Vieux Donjon. Described as 'a magician', he is said to possess an incredible ability to visualize final blends while tasting dozens of barrel samples. Combining the exceptional conditions of 2009 with Cambie's genius, all four producers have crafted some phenomenal wines.

Tasting note (tasted 4/06/2011):
A blend of equal proportions of Grenache and Syrah. Totally opaque, black purple colour with very deep, dark purple red hue – outstanding colour. The nose displays aromas of dark cherry and black raspberry followed by some liquorice and spice. Full bodied the palate displays rich, opulent flavours of black cherry, liquorice and spice with a meaty overlay and some blackpepper on the back palate. Excellent concentration, depth and balance with very fine grained, slightly dryish tannins. Long aftertaste of black raspberry, liquorice, blackpepper and some dried meat overtones. A top example from this underdog appellation.
Alc 14.5%