WTN: Chateau De Nages Reserve 2005

AC Costieres De Nimes.
R. Gassier.

A blend of Grenache (70 per cent) and Syrah.

Dark purple in the glass.

Not much happening on the nose but, eventually, I can detect a little light spice and some raspberry.

Smoky, quite thick and dense in the mouth, blackberry, raspberry, a hint of chocolate, quite tangy, with some alcohol heat (14.5 per cent) and some roughness toward the end.

With time, the wine did broaden out a bit, but couldn't shake off the alcohol heat-shrillness and incredible tanginess.

Tangy, hot finish.

Nowhere near as good as previous vintages, which I greatly enjoyed. A real disappointment.

Purchased at $14.85 (Canadian).

I'm getting more and more upset over higher and higher alcohol levels... It takes a lot of fruit and skill to balance that out, and most producers just can't pull it off.

I'm getting more and more upset over higher and higher alcohol levels... It takes a lot of fruit and skill to balance that out, and most producers just can't pull it off.

I'm with you.

This wine used to be a regular buy at Doris Ranch but after this TN, not so sure!