Tasting notes, Feb. 24, 2024; wines of the Southern Rhone

                    Southern Rhône Valley

2022 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. 
2020 Moulin Tacussel
Cuvée Annette

On Sale for $52
Châteauneuf-du-Pape / Southern Rhône Valley / France
100% Roussanne
Sourced from two tiny parcels of pure Roussanne, Cuvée Annette is named for the proprietor’s wife. The wine is fermented and aged in 400L demi-muids casks.
2022 Stehelin Gigondas Rosé
On Sale for $28.80
Gigondas / Southern Rhône Valley / France
50% Cinsault, 25% Clairette, 25% Grenache
Sourced from clay/limestone soils, the fruit for this intriguing Rosé is fermented in stainless steel with malolactic fermentation blocked in order to retain vibrancy. Gigondas Rosé is rare, but when it is this good it is worth seeking out.
2020 Mas Boislauzon Rouge
On Sale for $18.40
Côtes-du-Rhône Villages / Southern Rhône Valley / France
60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, 5% Carignan
Created from vines located just north of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, this dense, chewy red is a perfect foil for any grilled red meat dish. The vineyards employed feature the large rolled stones associated with the best sites in the region.
2019 Cros Romet Rouge
On Sale for $17.60
Cairanne / Southern Rhône Valley / France
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah
Sourced from a moderate sized vineyard (50 acres), the Cros Romet Cairanne is managed by Alain Boisson. The Boisson family is nearly synonymous with the Cairanne appellation as they fashion some of the finest examples of the area. 
2016 Feraud Rouge
On Sale for $55.99
Châteauneuf-du-Pape / Southern Rhône Valley / France
Primarily: Grenache; Secondarily: Syrah, Mourvedre; Also: Terret, Cinsault, Counoise, Muscardin, Vaccarese
Sourced from vineyards featuring sand and pebbles, the 2015 Feraud is an elegant, savory Chateauneuf. Notably spicy and silky textured, the wine is perfectly mature today and should hold for several more years.