Côtes du Rhône-Villages rouge 2009
Côtes du Rhône-Villages blanc 2010
Vintage 2009 was the best Rhône vintage in living memory according to some. Paul-Henri’s meticulous records suggest that it was a dry year that favoured Grenache. A relatively short harvest began on the 10th of September and finished on the 24th. Yields were very low, which is good for quality but not for quantity, and the health and condition of the grapes was superb.
Your exclusive Côtes du Rhône-Villages rouge 2009 is an unoaked blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. It is near opaque in colour with an intense and heady mix of garrigue, flowers and spice. The palate is fresh with a lovely sweet, juicy quality, yet it has a firm structure too. The flavours of blackberry, cassis and spice linger throughout a long, attractive finish. Although you can drink now it will keep until 2015-2016. Try it with daube of beef with black olives or Magret of duck with a green peppercorn sauce.
With the benefit of superb back-to-back vintages, your Côtes du Rhône-Villages blanc comes from the 2010 vintage. Paul-Henri termed it ‘an exceptional year with better acidity than 2009.’ The grapes came in ripe and healthy but yields were historically low.
Your exclusive white is a blend of 70% Viognier with the balance being Marsanne and Roussanne – from vines at the front of the domaine with a cooler aspect. It is a fresh and fragrant wine with ripe pear and apple flavours and a twist of liquorice and herbs. Try it with pork or chicken with a creamy sauce or strong flavoured fish dishes. Drink within two to three years.