I’m trying to taste a few Rhone wines, as the only ones that I’ve had that I enjoy are from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation.
Okay, for this wine. The color is a nice purple, darker than most French wines, but not as dark as those from the New world. The aroma is nice and fruity almost brandy-like with a touch of earthiness, that I like. The taste is well balanced but tame, until the finish where it seems to be the most intense, with perhaps a touch of pepper on the tail-end. In comparison to California and Australian Syrah/Shiraz this wine seems elegant but week, but after a while, you start to appreciate the subtle nuances.
OK, so I opened my second bottle in the middle of a “Senior Moment”. By that I mean we were having pasta and I looked in the ole VinoTemp for something to open and this one said “It’s my turn”. Didn’t think about it being French. Bottom line, it wasn’t horrible with pasta, but not a great choice either. Since it is on the weak side of Rhone style it was OK. Last night it went a lot better with the pork loin. Decent wine, but don’t think I will buy any more of it.
Day three, last glass, roast chicken, not bad. Still working on it as I type and find it the best yet. Still doesn’t say “buy more”, but the finish is nice with a bit of chocolate(?) along with some pepper and smoke.