SOLD OUT! The 2016 La Garrigue Cotes du Rhone is unquestionably one of the top buys of the highly regarded 2016 vintage.
A blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, and 10% Syrah from old vines in Vacqueyras, Jeb Dunnuck rated it 93 points.
2016 La Garrigue Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Romaine
94 points JS (that’s me), 93 points Jeb Dunnuck
SOLD OUT
Talk about a traditional, true-blue, French wine. The name says it all, as garrigue refers to the low-growing vegetation found on France’s Mediterranean coast — think juniper, thyme, rosemary and lavender. You can literally smell Southern France in this wine and it’s a hell of a lot less expensive than a plane ticket to Marseille! But don’t worry, it’s not all herbs and earth — there’s lovely, pure, dark fruit here too. And though it’s got some structure to it, there’s an elegance about it too, especially after it’s been open for about an hour. That’s what I’ve got to say.
I’ll let Mr. Jeb Dunnuck take you home on this one. “The 2016 Cuvée Romaine is another smoking vintage for this cuvée, and in my view, the best to date, surpassing the 2005, 2007, and 2009. Blackberry, peppery herbs, garrigue and hints of leather all emerge from this ripe, full-bodied, incredibly sexy, opulent beauty. With sweet fruit, a stacked mid-palate, no hard edges, sweet tannin and a great finish, this is rockingly good. Buy a case and drink it over the coming 7-8 years. The blend is 65% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah, all from Vacqueyras, that spent 10-12 months all in concrete tanks.” I have nothing to add other than to say I’ve had previous vintages of this from fabulous years, and this is the best vintage I’ve tasted.
Drink this stacked Cotes du Rhone now with hearty fare (lamb, stews, roasted meats) or cellar for 5-7 years. There’s just 10 cases up for grabs, and with great pricing in place, this one won’t last long.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville