2010 Domaine Calendal Plan de Dieu Cotes du Rhone Villages

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. Calendal is a different partnership from others Cambie is engaged in. Together with Gilles Ferran of the successful Domaine des Escaravailles, the pair purchased a small estate in 2006, planted with old bush vine Grenache and Mourvedre in the "Plan de Dieu" area. They both knew the under exploited potential of the location, where vines are grown on a carpet of "cailloux", subjected to the fierce Mistral wind and the burning Mediterranean sun. In Calendal, Mourvedre features, being half of the blend, providing structure and complexity alongside the fruit-rich Grenache. Such was the demand for this wine worldwide, that the US importer was only allocated 400 cases. Thanks to our relationship with the Cambie stables, we've secured a small Australian allocation. There is no doubt in our mind it will be as successful as the 2009. A triumph for Cambie and Ferran.
Tasting note…
Totally opaque black dark purple colour with deep dark purple hue. The nose offers up intense scents of black raspberry and black cherry with a meaty overlay, a touch of liquorice and some spicy end notes. Possessing superb concentration, density and copious levels of fruit, the palate delivers opulent flavours of black raspberry, liquorice and black cherry followed by some meaty characters and a spicy back palate. A solid, slightly firmish tannin structure gives the wine a chewy mouthfeel, but is a necessity to carry the weight of the dense ripe fruit. Excellent power with very long black raspberry, black cherry, liquorice, meaty earth like characters and a spice aftertaste.
Cellar 5-6 years (2017-2018)
Alc 15.0% Other reviews…
Move fast! This is a great effort, and the best Calendal produced to date. Dense bluish purple in color, with notes of graphite, blueberry, black raspberry, roasted mushrooms and meats, the wine has great intensity, full-bodied opulence, beautiful purity, texture and a multi-dimensional mouthfeel. Again, this is a superb effort, with the Mourvedre providing structure, delineation and aging potential, and the Grenache providing generosity, opulence, and hedonism. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.
94 points
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate # 195 (Jun 2011)