Here are a few some our cellar.  The first two are from the Southern Rhone region of France as we travel to Gigondas and Vacqueyras for a couple of outstanding wines.  This is followed by an unusual Australian Merlot and closes with a value treat from Portugal.

Pierre Amadieu Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2005:

Color: opaque, deep currant
Aromas: black cherry, toasty fig scents with an underlying note of expresso coffee.  The nose hints at some leather and/or graphite.
Flavors: black cherry gives way to toasty coffee notes and a hint of leather.

Opinion:  We loved this wine paired with a pork and fig dish….well structured and balanced….a meaty yet not overwhelming wine with tannins in place…..rich and lengthy finish…..~$30.

Note: the ’06 looks equally as good with pricing in the high $30’s.

Montirius Vacqueyras 2004:

Color: another deep and rich purple wine
Aromas: a definite hit of raspberry, fig and hoison sauce; underlying notes of expresso coffee and licorice.
Flavors:  raspberry jam, mocha; hints of delicate minerality underneath and a lengthy finish.

Opinion: Again, a great wine from Southern Rhone.  This would pair equally with game, pork or beef providing a worthy and meaty opponent to the dish.  This should run ~$26 and be tasty over the next couple of years.

Note: Keep an eye out for the ’05 Le Clos version… probably runs in the low $30’s but a blockbuster!

Mollydooker Merlot South Australia The Scooter 2006:

Color: very dark currant
Aromas: currant, cocoa with leather and tar notes and a hint of smoke
Flavors:  deep currant and mocha with firm tannins.

Opinion: Great Merlot for the price of ~$22.  Would be wonderful with nearly any cut of beef, lamb, pork or chicken in a hearty sauce.  Drink over the next couple of years. 

Note: Mollydooker is a very highly rated producer from top to bottom.  It’s always worth keeping an eye out for their wines.

Quinta do Vale Meao Douro Meandro 2004:

Color: very dark, almost blackish purple
Aromas: Deep and dark cherry (kirsch), blackberry, a hint of dry stone and Iron and tar.
Flavors: loaded with lots of dark cherry, blackberry along with great
minerality and a hint of spice.

Opinion: This wine is a great representation of the heavy hitting reds from Portugal, blended from the “Tourriga” family of grapes (Nacional, Roriz, and Franca) and Tinta Barroca.  This wine can be consumed now or any point over the next few years.  These are ideal pairing partners for meats.  Priced to go….~$22

Note: the ’05 and ’06 looks great as well.

Tags: Australia, Gigondas, Portugal, Vacqueyras