Southern French Gems - Published in July 2012

Reds from the Côtes du Rhône and 50 additional Provençal rosés

July 2012 Featured Collections

Southern French Gems Northeast Italian Whites Red Wines from Spain Online Exclusives

Sort By:

points

Alain Jaume et Fils 2009 Domaine Grand Veneur Vieilles Vignes Red (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)

Cellar Selection

Price $121

A prodigious effort, the 2009 Vieilles Vignes from Grand Veneur includes a whopping 40% Mourvèdre in the blend (there’s also 10% Syrah, with the balance being Grenache), which no doubt accounts for its dark flavor profile. This is a full-bodied, lushly textured, expansive wine, with a finish that seems to go on forever. Approachable now, it should age well for… — J.C. (7/1/2012)

points

Maison Nicolas Perrin 2009 White (Hermitage)

Cellar Selection

Price $79

A blend of 70% Marsanne and 30% Roussanne, this is unusually aromatic for a white Hermitage, with perfumed notes of pineapple and melon underscored by hints of graphite. It’s plump on the midpalate and custardy-rich in texture, yet focused and long on the finish. Drink now, or sometime after 2017. — J.C. (7/1/2012)

points

Château d’Esclans 2010 Garrus Rosé (Côtes de Provence)

Price $90

This delicious wine offers subtle barrel nuances, with ripe plum and strawberry fruits. Along with this is a stylish crispness, just touched by spice and toast. This is a serious wine, intended for food. — R.V. (7/1/2012)

points

Domaine de la Mordorée 2009 La Reine des Bois Red (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)

Price $141

As usual at this young age, the new oak used for aging this cuvée stands out a bit, giving the plummy fruit aromas a cedary, menthol-tinged veneer. But on the palate the wine shines, from its expansive, creamy mouthfeel to the captivating flavors of brandied cherries and powdered cinnamon. Drink now–2020. — J.C. (7/1/2012)

points

Domaine du Grand Montmirail 2009 Cuvée Vieilles Vignes Red (Gigondas)

Editors' Choice

Price $40

This is a top-notch effort—a blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre. It starts off with intriguing floral and herbal notes, then delivers deep black-cherry flavors on the palate, tinged with savory nuances of roasted meat and black olive. It’s full bodied and round, richly but finely textured and very drinkable now yet with the substance to age up to 10… — J.C. (7/1/2012)

points

Fayolle Fils & Fille 2009 Les Dionnières White (Hermitage)

Online Exclusive

Price $70

This seemingly forward Hermitage boasts bold notes of lime, pineapple and melon, wrapped in a soft blanket of toastiness and restrained oak. It’s round in the mouth and ample in body, with a long finish faintly suggestive of coffee. Drink now. — J.C. (7/1/2012)

points

Domaines Ott 2011 Château de Romassan Rosé (Bandol)

Online Exclusive

Price $45

With its Mourvèdre content, this is a big-hearted wine. It is finely balanced between its rich yellow and red fruits and spice and acidity. This is a great food rosé, textured and ripe. — R.V. (7/1/2012)

points

Château Coussin 2011 Rosé (Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire)

Editors' Choice
Online Exclusive

Price $20

Crisp, bright and delicious, this has pure red fruit, with an herb note, intense acidity and a tangy texture. — R.V. (7/1/2012)

2010 Pence Ranch Westslope

This is sourced from the winery's steepest and most wind-exposed blocks…

(Sponsored)