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2009 Domaine Constant Duquesnoy Vinsobres

Vinsobres, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
$24. 99
Bottle
$299.88 Dozen
Cellar: 4 - 5 Years (2016-2017)
ABV: 15%
Closure: Cork

Cambie’s Roll Continues

It seems there are no limits to the energy and abilities of Rhone Ranger, Philippe Cambie. The man was proclaimed Oenologist of the Year 2010 by Robert Parker Jr, as a testimony to his performance as a consultant for many top names in the Southern Rhone and other parts of Europe, but also for his own projects (we have already featured - amongst others - the magnificent 'Halos de Jupiter' range, a partnership established with Michel Gassie to showcase the beauty of Grenache). Cambie’s influence continues in 2010 at Domaine Roche and Domaine Constant Duquesnoy. The growing season offered ideal conditions, in contrast with the sun-drenched 2009 vintage that tended towards extrovert, 'blockbuster' styles. The slightly cooler temperatures in 2010 made for a better balance with resulting wines displaying fresher aromatics, tight tannins and a better harmony between alcohol and acidity levels. Gerard Constant stepped out of his managerial career in 2004 to become a vigneron and fully immerse himself in his lifelong passion for all things vinous. Before making such a bold move, he carefully researched and identified regions and sites that would be best suited to respond to future challenges from a climate perspective. Of the sites identified, Constant and his wife Denise Duquesnoy, settled on an already well regarded estate , the Domaine Les Aussellons in Vinsobres, which Robert Parker already considered amongst the top three estates of the appellation. The wines of Vinsobres gained access to Cru status in 2006, elevated from 'Cotes du Rhone Villages Vinsobres' and even though the appellation does not enjoy as much fame as other Crus like Gigondas and Chateauneuf, it has long been known as a source of wines offering great value and pleasure. Since the inception of the new Domaine, Duquesnoy's approach aims for reduced yields, a means to finding the 'sweet spot ' in his terraced vineyards. Tasting note…
This cuvee is from 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah at yields of 25 Hl/Ha, and was fermented in stainless steel. Opaque dark purple black colour with deep purple crimson red hue. The nose presents intense aromas of black raspberry and dark cherry followed by a touch of incense, liquorice, earth and spice. Full bodied the palate is swamped with rich opulent dark raspberry and black cherry flavours along with some liquorice, pepper and spice. The tannin structure is slightly dryish and firm but provides perfectly balanced support to the huge volumes of seductive ripe fruit. Long aftertaste of black raspberry, liquorice, spice and pepper.
Cellar 4-5 years plus (2016-2017+)
Alc 15.0%