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Stirring the Lees with James Molesworth
Up into the hills of the Southern Rhône, to taste at Domaine Gramenon and Domaine Jaume
Posted: November 17, 2011 By James Molesworth
Today was a day not to lose faith in the GPS. Sometimes it took me on some squirrelly back roads, cutting through a vineyard on a narrow dirt path, even when there's a main road running parallel just a few hundred yards away.
But to find Domaine Gramenon, located up in the hills in the small hamlet of Montbrison, I knew I would need to keep the faith and stay on target. My GPS has taken me on the scenic route before, but it's always gotten me there.
Of course, I blew past the domaine once before turning around and seeing it as I backtracked. I should've known after all this time, that I was looking for a modest house with blink-and-you'll-miss-it signage. Set amidst vines that have already dropped their leaves when most others are still hanging on to theirs, and with browning weeds just as high running amok in the vine rows, Domaine Gramenon doesn't look like much at first glance. But the wines made here are distinctive, sometimes nebulous or awkward, but never anything less than provoking for their display of unadulterated minerality, smoky, garrigue-infused fruit and long, earth- and ash-laced finishes.
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Stirring the Lees with James Molesworth
A quiet Sunday with 40-some 10-year-old Châteaunefs, with outstanding and classic-rated finds
Posted: November 15, 2011 By James Molesworth
Sundays are for laying in bed and reading the paper, or for getting up and tasting over three-dozen Châteauneuf-du-Papes. Whichever you prefer... For this Sunday in the Rhône, I solicited a more than 40 domaines to submit their 2001 vintage of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The 2001 vintage is arguably the most overlooked of the decade. Following 2000, a big, rich forward styled vintage, the 2001s initially came off as taut, racy and offering more of a bay leaf, tobacco and mineral profile. But now, 10 years after, the '01s are impressive. Here are my tasting notes.
Nov. 15, 2011 Issue
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News
Posted: November 15, 2011 By Bruce Sanderson, Robert Taylor, James Molesworth
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Stirring the Lees with James Molesworth
Checking out the 2010s Château de Nages in Costières de Nîmes and tasting some of Philippe Cambie's Halos de Jupiter line
Posted: November 11, 2011 By James Molesworth
After five days of tasting 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Papes at some of the Southern Rhônes top domaines, I ventured to Costières de Nîmes for something new. I visited Michel Gassier at Château de Nages and tasted through a selection of Philippe Cambie's Halos de Jupiter line. Here are my notes.
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Stirring the Lees with James Molesworth
Tasting the 2010s at the Rhône's Bosquets, St.-Cosme and Sang de Cailloux
Posted: November 9, 2011 By James Molesworth
Upon my arrival in France's Rhône Valley last week, I immediately had to cope with my newest rental car, then visited Domaine Tour St.-Michel to taste the 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Papes. On my second day I visited Domaine de Boursan, Domaine Charvin and Jean-Paul Daumen at Domaine de la Vielle Julienne. Then it was off to Clos des Papes, Domaine Giraud, Clos St.-Jean and Château de la Font du Loup. Yesterday I visited Château Mont-Redon for the first time, then Beaucastel and Famille Perrin, Domaine de la Janasse and Christophe Sabon and, finally, Vieux Télégraphe and Daniel Brunier. Today, Domaine des Bosquets, St.-Cosme and Domaine Le Sang des Cailloux.
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Stirring the Lees with James Molesworth
Tasting the 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Papes at Mont-Redon, Beaucastel, Vieux Télégraphe and more
Posted: November 7, 2011 By James Molesworth
Upon my arrival in France's Rhône Valley lastweek, I immediately had to cope with my newest rental car, then visited Domaine Tour St.-Michel to taste the 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Papes. On my second day I visited Domaine de Boursan, Domaine Charvin and Jean-Paul Daumen at Domaine de la Vielle Julienne. Then it was off to Clos des Papes, Domaine Giraud, Clos St.-Jean and Château de la Font du Loup. Today I visited Château Mont-Redon for the first time, then Beaucastel and Famille Perrin, Domaine de la Janasses and Christophe Sabon and, finally, Vieux Télégraphe and Daniel Brunier.
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Stirring the Lees with James Molesworth
Tasting the 2010 Châteauneufs and more at Clos des Papes, Domaine Giraud, Clos St.-Jean and Château de la Font du Loup
Posted: November 4, 2011 By James Molesworth
Upon my arrival in France's Rhône Valley this week, I immediately had to cope with my newest rental car, then visited Domaine Tour St.-Michel to taste the 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Papes. On my second day I visited Domaine de Boursan, Domaine Charvin and Jean-Paul Daumen at Domaine de la Vielle Julienne. Today I tasted at Clos des Papes, Domaine Giraud, Clos St.-Jean and Château de la Font du Loup. Here are my tasting notes.
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Stirring the Lees with James Molesworth
Jean-Paul Versino, Laurent Charvin and Jean-Paul Daumen don't change much, but make some of Châteauneuf's most distinct wines
Posted: November 1, 2011 By James Molesworth
Time to roll up the sleeves and get busy. I was able to partially shake the jet lag, thanks to the adrenaline of a busy day's schedule in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, starting with a quirky rental car and a visit to Tour St.-Michel. Today's program included stops at three vignerons with staunchly traditional winemaking methods in their own right, who each rely on different areas of the appellation and different key varieties to craft their unique styles.
Today I tasted the the 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Papes at Domaine Bois de Boursan, Domaine Charvin and Domaine de la Vielle Julienne.
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Stirring the Lees with James Molesworth
After renting an "eco"-lemon, checking out the vintage racecars and 2010 vintage Châteauneufs at Domaine Tour St.-Michel
Posted: November 1, 2011 By James Molesworth
After several years of regular trips to the Rhône, French rental cars never cease to surprise me. This trip's car has continued the tradition. Once I figured it out, I took in a quick lunch and headed to Domain Tour St.-Michel to taste the 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Papes.
Blogs
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Stirring the Lees with James Molesworth
A tricky 2011 vintage for two of France's most important wine regions
Posted: October 31, 2011 By James Molesworth
Finally, a breather from the office. It's time to make my annual run through the Southern Rhône Valley. I'll be in the Rhône the next two weeks, focusing on the southern portion of this large and diverse region. As usual, I'll visit more than a dozen estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the south's main appellation, plus much more.
