WTN: 2004 Côtes du Rhône Villages "Tradition" Domaine de Mourchon Southern Rhone France. $13.95 at Sherry-Lehmann.
Séguret is a beautiful hillside village situated just east of the Dentelles de Montmirail in the Southern Rhône Valley, and is one of the 75 or so villages of the Côtes du Rhône Villages. 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, balance 5% each Carignan and Cinsault.
Deep red color, deep hue, wonderful aromas of berries and cherries with hints of of spice, very good fruit and berry tastes, nice spice and herb notes, all supported by a good base of minerals, medium to full mouth feel, chewy character, mild tannins and acidity in great balance, long interesting finish with fruit, spice, herb and mineral notes. Stuffings to last and perhaps improve for ten years. Great QPR. 4*.
Notes: Matt Kramer. Domaine de Mourchon is a new name in the zone, the creation of a transplanted Scotsman named Walter McKinley. In a surprisingly brief time since its first vintage in 1998, Domaine de Mourchon has made an impact, thanks to issuing unusually fine wine. (Mr. McKinley secured the help of his fellow Brit, Nicholas Thompson, as a consulting winemaker. Mr. Thompson is the owner-winemaker of the nearby Domaine L'Ameillaud, whose wines I've previously and enthusiastically recommended.)Domaine De Mourchon is set in the hills behind Séguret at an altitude of 1000 feet and the vineyards are divided into a series of small hillside parcels.
Website: http://www.domainedemourchon.com/ The winery believes the 2005 vintage is even better than the 2004 because of a hot summer and a moderately cool September. MacArthur in Washington D.C. has the 2005 for $13.00, and I'm sure other merchants will stock it.