Wines Tasted - January 24, 2010

 

J.L.Chave - St. Joseph - Offerus - 2007 - $30 - (Classic, Food Wine, Ager) - A dramatic young Norther Rhone Syrah, filled with aromas of roasted game, wood smoke, licorice, blackberries and black & white peppercorns.  On the palette it's layered but closed despite decanting.  It is classically Rhone in every way, but just so youthful it's a shame to open it in 2010 at all.  Full bodied, with moderate+ alcohol and tannin, acid was moderate to +, length was long but the finish dhed all its fruit but Earthyness lingered.

I recommend cellaring for 2 to 10 years additionally(not unlike all my 2007 Rhone Experiences thus far).

2007-Domaine la Monardiere-Vacqueyras-Les 2 Monardes - Medium ruby, just clear. Aromas of grilled pork, light caramel, dried herbs, brush, and blackberries as well as fresh ripe strawberries and red plum mix. In the mouth it's very youthful. Acid is still fresh, tannins are firm and ripe, and the fruit is hidden under a layer of black pepper corns, fresh blue flower petals and anise. The alcohol was mod+, but balanced thru a long finish. I recommend cellaring for 6 months or more is recommended or up to 10 years.