Tasting notes, Southern Rhone Valley, 5/17/25

                    Southern Rhône Valley

2024 Grand Veneur
Blanc

On Sale for $13.60
Côtes-du-Rhône / Southern Rhône Valley / France
50% Viognier, 30% Clairette, 20% Roussanne
The Jaume family have quickly become one of the most revered suppliers of wine from all over the Southern Rhone. Most of the family’s holdings are located in and around the northern sector of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with the Cotes-du-Rhone Blanc emanating from terraced vines planted in sand and clay. 
2023 Berthet-Rayne Blanc
On Sale for $43.99
Châteauneuf-du-Pape / Southern Rhône Valley / France
40% Clairette, 40% Bourboulenc, 10% Roussanne, 10% Grenache Blanc, 
Sourced from vineyards in the northern sector of Châteauneuf-du-Pape features a lovely combination of ripe white fruits and crushed stone. The wine is fermented and aged in neutral vessels.
2024 La Manarine Rosé
On Sale for $17.99
Travaillon / Southern Rhône Valley / France
60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah
This small production Rose (less than 1,000 cases) is produced by the Gasq family in the village of Travaillon. The wine is fermented and then rested briefly in concrete tanks prior to release. 
2016 Simian Jocundaz
On Sale for $21.99
Massif d’Uchaux / Southern Rhône Valley / France
70% Grenache, 30% Syrah
Located north of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Massif d’Uchaux appellation is known for its sturdy red wines based on Grenache. Simian Jocundaz is an outstanding example from the appellation, especially with 8 years or so of bottle age.
2019 Xavier Vignon Rouge
On Sale for $29.99
Gigondas / Southern Rhône Valley / France
95% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre
Hand picked old vine fruit combined with traditional winemaking lead to this medium bodied, herb-inflected Gigondas. The wine leads with its exuberant Grenache flavors backed by the structure of Mourvedre.
2019 Daumen Rouge
On Sale for $39.99
Châteauneuf-du-Pape / Southern Rhône Valley / France
Mostly Grenache, with Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Picardin
JP Daumen’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape is sourced from vineyards in and around his Vieille Julienne estate. These plots are owned by up and coming winegrowers. Daumen seeks to showcase the quality of fruit from these plots.