My friend and ex-co worker and I decided to host a Rhone-themed wine party (the wine is accumulating and needs to be drunk!!!!
). We had an interesting lineup-mostly California but also France.HIGHLIGHTS:
http://www.madrose.com/france/cotes-du- ... de-boursan
The 2010 Domain Bois-de-Boursan (Ch. du Pape) was for me and I think several other people the red highlight of the night. Definitely some earthy, savory notes. Strawberry, white pepper, earth, a touch of funkiness. Light, ethereal mouth feel, but not weak in any way. Just elegant! The Rosenthal crew comes through again in bringing this into the United States!
2013 Preston Family "Madame Preston". This was a wow white wine for me. Usually, I like white wines with some bite, but the sheer silky elegance of this Rhone blend from Dry Creek seemed to be a big hit. Lovely mango? citrus fruit on a voluptuous but utterly NOT heavy frame. What a lovely surprise...I don't remember actually trying this at the winery.
In contrast, the 2014 Broc Cellars PicPoul from Mendocino County was lovely bright, saline. Not too much acidity, and interesting.
2014 Broc Cellars Grenache(s) was quite intriguing as well. Half Grenache Noir and half Grenache Gris. A pretty ruby color. Bright strawberry fruit with some (again) saline notes. Quite quaffable and quite popular! Copain (P2) and Wind Gap (Soif) make similar light quaffable but lovely white-red blends.
2012 Baldacci Syrah (Carneros) this seemed popular. Heavier than other wines on the menu tonight.
2013 Berryessa Gap "Dourif". From Winters due north of me (10 miles) in the foothills of Yolo County. Nicole, the new winemaker at B.G. brought this. Nice black pepper and black fruit. I thought this clone was earthier and slightly more interesting than the bottling labeled Petit Sirah!!!!!