1025481_1.jpg
  • 95

2009 Domaine Constant Duquesnoy Vinsobres Confidence

Vinsobres, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
$36. 99
Bottle
$443.88 Dozen
Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2018-2019)
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.

Confidence' is from the oldest vines of the estate (55 years) located on the higher part of the appellation (350 metres), being predominantly Syrah with a dash of Grenache for good measure. Maturation took place in "Pieces Bourguignonnes", (228 L barrels purchased from Domaine Denis Mortet in Gevrey-Chambertin) so that oak would not mark the wines too prominently and the fruit and pepperiness could still shine.

Re-tasted 29/09/2015:
Totally opaque inky black dark red colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Powerful aromas ripe black cherry, black raspberry and liquorice aromas are overlaid by hints of scorched earth and leather with pepper end notes. Rich and chewy the palate is filled with opulent black raspberry, black cherry and liquorice flavours with a background of scorched earth, subtle leather and a peppery finish. Firm robust tannin structure provides an excellent framework. Long aftertaste of black raspberry, black cherry, liquorice, earthy leather and pepper.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 15%

First Tasted (August 2012):
Totally opaque black purple colour with deep dark purple hue. The nose displays lifted scents of dark raspberry and dark cherry followed by some liquorice, earth and spice, but overall remains restrained compared to its sibling. Tightly packed, the palate delivers mouthfilling flavours of black raspberry and earth followed by a spicy, very peppery back palate. Dry chewy tannins provide a solid wall of support in this more masculine chiselled version of Vinsobres. Superb depth with long blackpeper, black raspberry, liquorice and spice aftertaste. At present this is a somewhat tightly bound, although very concentrated, effort that just needs time to show all its wares.
Cellar 5-6 years (2017-2018)
Alc 15.0%

Other reviews…
This impressively endowed, deep ruby/purple-hued effort exhibits copious notes of red and black fruits, garrigue, pepper, chocolate, crushed rocks and spring flowers. Rich and medium to full-bodied, it is ideal for drinking over the next 5-7 years.
90-92 Points
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #191 (Oct 2010)