An exclusive Chateauneuf-du-Pape that is one of our favorite discoveries from the Rhone Valley. Tiny producer, great price and delicious bottle of wine make this a real winner. The new 2015 was rated by the Revue du Vin de France (France’s most respected wine publication) as one of the 4 best Châteauneuf du Pape of the vintage – alongside Rayas, Capo de Pegau and Clos du Mont Olivet (at a price far less than those)! We continue to hunt in the Rhône Valley for exciting emerging talent, and in Jérôme Gradassi we have struck the jackpot. Jérôme, 50 years old, was the boss and chef of a Michelin starred restaurant, L’Isle Sonnant in Avignon, until he sold it in 2003 to take up a mere 3½ hectares of vines left to him by his grandfather. In the cellar it’s all very traditional - into old stone tanks for the vinification, then a short ageing in old barrels. 75% Grenache. Scented, perfumed - very herbal and sweet on the nose - and with well-integrated fruits with a hint of cumin and white pepper. Much more accessible than most young Châteauneufs. This has the freshness of the vintage and is really a very accessible example. No rough edges. This has come on very nicely in bottle. Well done!
Kristin the Wine Girl
Upfront and undecanted, can easily disguise as Sangiovese Italian with assaulting nose and tart cherry astringency. Perfect thanksgiving food marriage. Swirl or better yet decant for softer earthy purple florals and baking spices.
Upfront and undecanted, can easily disguise as Sangiovese Italian with assaulting nose and tart cherry astringency. Perfect thanksgiving food marriage. Swirl or better yet decant for softer earthy purple florals and baking spices.
9.0Bob McDonald
Very closed on initial taste in restaurant. Following a “vigorous decant” as stated by the Sommelier it opened up a little but still needed more air. Notes of raspberry plus earth and mineral but largely still closed. Simply put drunk too young. Grainy tannins with M+ Acid. 80% Grenache 20% Mourvèdre. Raspberry from the Grenache with the tarry tannins from the Mourvèdre coming through. Cellaring future up to 10 years.
Very closed on initial taste in restaurant. Following a “vigorous decant” as stated by the Sommelier it opened up a little but still needed more air. Notes of raspberry plus earth and mineral but largely still closed. Simply put drunk too young. Grainy tannins with M+ Acid. 80% Grenache 20% Mourvèdre. Raspberry from the Grenache with the tarry tannins from the Mourvèdre coming through. Cellaring future up to 10 years.
9.2Aloke Mukherjee
Wine Wed 9/29/2021
Wine Wed 9/29/2021
9.2Dan D.
Pepper
Pepper
9.0Stephen Long
Very nice. Dark cherry / dark fruit. Hint if leather. Needs slight decanting. Opens up nicely.
Very nice. Dark cherry / dark fruit. Hint if leather. Needs slight decanting. Opens up nicely.
8.9Georgina McDonald
Nose of raisins, mint chocolate and a little cookie dough. Burnt orange skin, plums with good spice. High acid and good grip; enough to stabilise / cellar for 5+ years.
Nose of raisins, mint chocolate and a little cookie dough. Burnt orange skin, plums with good spice. High acid and good grip; enough to stabilise / cellar for 5+ years.
9.5WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.