SOLD OUT! The 2016 Clos Saint Antonin Cotes du Rhone is one of the best Cotes du Rhone values I’ve ever encountered. Possessing similar aromas and flavors to Chateauneuf du Pape but coming to you at a fraction of the price, this is destined to become a Table Wine top seller.
Rated 91 points by Jeb Dunnuck and 93 points by yours truly, this comes from old, organically cultivated vineyards and is fermented and aged without any sulfites. It is a pure and naked expression of Grenache at its best.
2016 Clos Saint Antonin Cotes du Rhone |
93 points Josh Spurling, 91 points Jeb Dunnuck
SOLD OUT
Ever heard of Domaine de la Janasse, one of the top names in Chateauneuf du Pape? Clos Saint Antonin is headed up by Isabelle and Christophe Sabon of Janasse. Founded in 2015, this is up and coming superstar estate is located just northeast of Chateauneuf du Pape. Jeb Dunnuck, the premiere reviewer of Rhone wines, says: “These are legit, awesome wines, and savvy readers need to get on board!” I’m on board!!
This is a Grenache-lover’s dream wine. Composed of 80% Grenache with the balance in Syrah and Mourvedre, this comes from 30-50 year old vines grown in the famed, rocky, galet-studded soils of the region. These infertile soils stress the vine resulting in intense, concentrated, flavor-packed grapes. Fermented in concrete vats and aged in a combination of concrete and French oak foudres, this is special stuff.
I was immediately floored by the aromas and flavors of this one. When my sales rep Joseph poured this one for me, I could smell it from five feet away. And it smelled good, real good! Soaring notes of kirsch, blackberry liqueur, Provencal herbs, and pepper wafted from the glass and continued on the palate. Ripe, round, seamless and sexy, I look forward to enjoying a bottle of this with lamb chops in the very near future.
Jeb Dunnuck loved it too. “Ripe, rounded, and incredibly sexy, with lots of kirsch and blackberry fruits, garrigue, and mineral notes, it has impeccable balance as well as purity of fruit. It’s a knockout Côtes du Rhône to drink over the coming 3-4 years.” Trust me, it tastes just as good as it sounds.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville