Red Wine Chateau Cohola Cotes du Rhone Villages Sablet 2018. The Cohola estate is a up-and-coming organic winery in the Rhone Valley that has been making a name for itself ever since it was founded in 2012. The couple behind the project are Cheli and Jerome, two young winemakers who met while studying at university in Andalucia. They then decided to create their own winery together, purchasing a rundown property and some 5 hectares of prime vineyards in the beautiful village of Sablet. This Cotes du Rhone Villages is a great example of the typical Cohola style which features minimal use of new oak barrels and plenty of character and originality. The vineyards used for this wine are planted on scree slopes with plenty of limestone which enjoy plenty of sun exposure. This helps create rich, ripe fruit which is harvested by hand by the couple and their friends. The grape varieties are all vinified separately and then blended to give maximum control over the final cuvee. Dense and powerful in the glass, this punchy red is bursting with dark fruit notes including plenty of cassis, blackberry and ripe plum. On the palate there is a generous full body, velvety smooth tannins and a solid core of dark fruit which lingers on the tongue. A great choice to serve alongside mature cheeses and charcuterie at a casual event or family dinner.
2018
Red Wine Chateau Cohola Cotes du Rhone Villages Sablet 2018
Red Wine Chateau de la Dauphine 2018. Chateau de la Dauphine is one of the oldest estates in the Fronsac region, dating back to the late 1600s and with a stunning chateau that was built in 1750. The estate’s modern history began in 1985 when the property was bought by the Moueix family who also own Petrus and Château Trotanoy. It was later bought by the Halley family who founded the Carrefour supermarket chain and have invested some 10 million euros in modernising the estate. The chateau is also one of the highest estates in Fronsac since it’s located on the top of the plateau with 53 hectares of vineyards planted on clay, limestone and sandy soils. In 2012 the estate converted to organic agriculture and they are currently experimenting with biodynamic practices as well. Thanks to the huge investment from the Halleys, this is one of the most advanced wineries on the Right Bank with state-of-the-art equipment. Their Grand Vin is fermented in stainless steel tanks and then aged in 30% new French oak barrels for 12 months. Whispers of dark plums, cassis and blackberries dominate on the nose, while the first sip reveals a silky smooth entry, firm tannins, and an intense core of dark fruit and herbal notes which linger on the palate.
2018
Red Wine Chateau de la Gardine Rasteau 2018. Although the Brunels only purchased Chateau de la Gardine in 1945, the family have been making wine in the Chateauneuf du Pape region since the 17th century. When founder Gaston Brunel was digging in the soil to expand the estate’s cellar he discovered an ancient bottle which he decided to copy to use for the family’s wines. This iconic and unique design had to be created especially for the family in Italy and is today used for all of their wines. These days the estate is run by Gaston’s two sons and their wives as well as their grandchildren. In total they work 52 hectares of vines which are mostly planted with black grape varieties as well as looking after a further 20 hectares of woodland which helps maintain biodiversity on the estate. This lusciously fruit-forward Rasteau is bursting with rich dark berries, winter spice and hints of dried violets thanks to the combination of ripe Grenache and Syrah grapes which are co-fermented and aged in stainless steel and cement tanks. All of the fruit is sourced from 4-60 year old vines growing on the lower slopes of Mont Ventoux where cooling mountain breezes help lock in freshness and elegance. This is a great gastronomic red which will pair well with everything from charcuterie and tomato-based pasta dishes to barbecued meats and hearty stews.
2018