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2010 Domaine de la Graveirette Cotes Du Rhone
Julien Mus burst onto the Rhone scene in 2005, when he decided to stop selling grapes to the local cooperative. He now cultivates 20 Ha of which 4Ha are Chateauneuf du Pape, 4 Ha in cotes du Rhone on the fringes of Bedarrides with the rest in Vin de Pays de Vaucluse where he grows different international varietals and some fine and rare Marselan.
It is not often that vignerons strike instant success and Julien is one such vigneron, who went from rising star status to "must have producer" of Chateauneuf du Pape in the very same day! Robert Parker started the craze in 2005 and more recently French wine authorities Bettane and Desseauve followed suite. Although the wines are now sold on allocation around the world, Julien Mus stays unphased by all the fuss, preferring to apply himself to his search for structure, power and balance in his wines, with the Cotes du Rhone being a telling example of what can be achieved on the boundaries of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation.
A blend of equal parts of Grenache and Syrah. Deep dark red black colour with dark red hue. The nose shows good intensity with lifted dark raspberry scents intermixed with some black plum and liquorice followed by some subtle lavender and spice. Medium to full bodied the palate is loaded with succulent dark raspberry and dark plum flavours followed by some liquorice, subtle meaty earth like characters and spice. Opulent mouthfeel with fine grained well integrated tannins. Long black raspberry, liquorice and spicy peppered dry meats aftertaste.
Drink over the next 4-5 years (2013-2018).
Alc 14.5%
Other Reviews….
Deep garnet in colour, the fragrant bouquet offers a melange of red and dark berry fruits, Provencale herbs and a seductive floral note; medium-bodied, fleshy and focused with the fine-grained tannins a feature of the rather sophisticated and velvety finish; a wine to enjoy and not necessarily in moderation.
92 Points
Ben Edwards - James Halliday’s Wine Companion Magazine June-July 2013