WTN: Four syrahs, One claret

[Jenise]

1997 Michel & Stéphane Ogier Côte-Rôtie Cuvée la Belle Hélène
I've possibly had technically better bottles of BH, maybe a little deeper or maybe a little more "ass in a glass" as one friend aptly put it. But this one was so harmonious and supple that it made the others impossible to remember. Maturing but not old, with ample time ahead. Beautiful.

2012 Efeste Syrah Ceidleigh Red Mountain WA
In CT notes I've seen this referred to as an Aussie style syrah, and it's clear why a non-Washingtonian would say that. It's certainly not a No Rhone wannabe and for some in this world there are only two sides of the coin. But I think it fits well into the ouvre that is the Washington state style--fleshy but not fat at all, especially with Red Mountain fruit (inarguably Washington's best address for red wines), with meat and herbs but lacking the Rhone's olives and pepper. It is certainly otherwise not maxed out on extract, fruit or alcohol as one might suspect from the Aussie reference (and not all Aussies are either). Beautifully matched, in this instance, with smoked rack of pork.

2012 Matthews Claret Columbia Valley Red Bordeaux Blend
Classic Bordeauxish flavors in spite of the smidge of syrah included in the blend. Great balance and restraint. The CF is currently showing as the dominant grape.

2006 Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée Red Rhone Blend
Drinking gorgeously now. Minerally and lively on the palate.

2006 Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend
Heavy, oak-laden, drags on the tongue. Hard to enjoy after the Pegau.

Nice notes, Jenise. It's a bit of a stretch to describe the Pégaü C. Réservée as Syrah. According to the Pégaü website there is only 6% Syrah in the blend against 80% Grenache and 14% others. It's probably rather similar at Nerthe but I haven't checked.

I'm increasingly underwhelmed by the Beaucastel and Clos des Papes in my cellar. Indeed the last time I remember excitement with a CndP, it was Pégaü. I will start searching right away.

[David M. Bueker]

Time to dig out a 2006 Pegau

[Jenise]

Nice notes, Jenise. It's a bit of a stretch to describe the Pégaü C. Réservée as Syrah. According to the Pégaü website there is only 6% Syrah in the blend against 80% Grenache and 14% others. It's probably rather similar at Nerthe but I haven't checked.

I'm increasingly underwhelmed by the Beaucastel and Clos des Papes in my cellar. Indeed the last time I remember excitement with a CndP, it was Pégaü. I will start searching right away.

I (obviously) didn't realize the Pegau was that low on syrah. I'd believed it to be about 50ish, though it didn't taste of syrah (the La Nerthe much more so). Thanks for schoolin' me. But yes, an absolute delight drinking beautifully right now.