Tried the wine over the weekend:
1. GillesRobin LesMaralles AC: Crozes-Hermitage (13.5%; Martine'sWines; www.gillesrobin.com) Mercurol 2007: Deep golden color; very strong honeyed/nutty/toasted hazelnuts/slightly oxidized classic mature Marsanne slight earthy/stony complex oldRhone nose; bit soft/rich/lush light earthy/metallic quite honeyed/mead-like/toasted hazelnuts/lightly oxidized complex flavor; very long light oxidized/nutty/toasted hazelnuts soft/rich classic oldRhoneBlanc light stony/earthy slightly bitter finish; a classic example of old Marsanne w/ little fruit remaining. $55.49 (KK)
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A wee BloodyPulpit:
1. Just noticed this at KoKomans, so thought I'd give it a try. I was a bit surprised at how dark it was for an '07. One source identifies it as 100% Viognier, which would explain the color & advanced age. Another identifies it as 60/40 Roussanne/Marsanne. From its character, I'd go w/ the Viognier.
Tom