2001 Joseph Phelps Le Mistral

2001 Joseph Phelps Le Mistral $18

Winemakers notes

“Inspired by the great red wine blends of the Rhône Valley” – maybe, but I say the Rhône Valley could learn a couple of things from this one.

Check the wine maker’s notes. This one is a blend of six different varietals, each contributing to the big bold taste of this wine.

I hate it when I come across a single bottle in a wine store where the little shelf card describes a wine in such a way that I can’t resist trying it. My rule is to buy two bottles of something that I haven’t tried before – one for right now, and the other for later if it is really nice. I’m guessing that I won’t see this one again – a shame.

This wine is a very dark purple. The aroma is a very concentrated black cherry. Nice fruit flavors, ripe but not too ripe, and the taste curve is perfectly balanced for my palette. There is a touch of spice, and the finish is very nice.