Syrah Hounds! & CAL Family Winemakers Tasting in SF
August 16, 2007
I have been making a conscious effort to
offer more wines with greater value
appeal. Finding these hidden gems can
be very challenging! Some of you "Rhone-Hounds" have challenged
me to find a Syrah in the under $20
price category. Do I have a surprise for you!!!
Croze-Hermitage is the largest AC (Appellation
Contrôlée) of the Northern Rhône reaches of France. One of
the most up-and-coming producers is Domaine des
Entrefaux. Proprietors Charles and François Tardy are the
fourth generation to run the domaine, with 25 hectares (62
acres) of vineyards located in the commune of Mercurol along the
left bank of the Rhône River in the Croze-Hermitage. The
region's temperate climate (balanced by southern Mediterranean and northern
continental influences), along with the pebbly-clay soils, have
established Mercurol as the best location in Croze-Hermitage to grow
Syrah. Low yields of about 3 tons per acre are hand
harvested, sorted and destemmed 100%, before undergoing fermentation in
temperature controlled concrete tanks . Then the wine is aged about ten
months in one to three year old Allier Burgundy barrels.
First, let me quell any worries if you are in doubt.
Yes, the 2005 vintage in the Northern Rhône is considered excellent!
Wine Spectator rates it 93-95 points, - "Another drought influenced vintage,
with cool nights helping to maintain freshness. Wines show terrific color,
aromas and purity".
My notes -
The 2005 Domaine des Entrefaux
Croze-Hermitage is a textbook Syrah "black
& blue" color! Inviting aromas of blackberry are intermixed with
hints of floral violets, and finely ground white pepper. A full, and expansive
wine on the palate. Not heavy, over-ripe or fatiguing in any
way. Finely knit tannins provide more allure and make you think
expensive. Buoyant acidity elevates the vibrant and refreshing
blackberry fruit to a finish that promises development over the
next five years. Very enjoyable with
marinaded, herb encrusted rack of lamb. www.thewineconsultant.com/wine/1123
Wine Spectator, August 31, 2007 Issue
-
"A solid core of blackberry and plum fruit is
supported by notes of iron, tobacco and tar, with nice grip on the finish.
Should open up nicely with short-term cellaring. Drink now through 2011" -
90 points
PREORDER NOW AT
ONLY $19.95 A BOTTLE OR $16.95 A SIX
PACK! JUST REPLY DIRECTLY TO THIS
E-MAIL!
2005 Domaine des Entrefaux
Croze-Hermitage - Northern Rhone, France - $19.95 >
discounts to $16.95 on six or more
bottles.
Finely knit tannins provide more allure
and make you think expensive. Wine Spectator 90 points
2005 Twenty Rows - aka "Brown
Bag" Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Valley - $19.95 >
discounts to $17.50 on six or more
bottles.
Find me a better Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for the
money!
2006 Copain L' Automne Pinot Noir
- Anderson Valley, Mendocino - $19.95 > discounts down to $17.56 when combined with any 12 or more
bottles.
Best value in California Pinot Noir this
year!!
- OR COMBINE ANY OF THESE THREE
WINES FOR A 12 BOTTLE CASE PURCHASE AND RECEIVE BEST
DISCOUNT PRICING.
Reminder! For those of you who purchased the 2000 Casanova di Neri Cerretalta Brunello di Montalcino from TWC
earlier in the year.....when your name is drawn this Saturday afternoon at 4:30
pm, you may have the opportunity to purchase a bottle of the 2001 vintage (rated a perfect 100
points by the Wine Spectator)!
DON'T FORGET! This Sunday,
the annual FAMILY WINEMAKERS TASTING at Fort Mason in San
Francisco!!
- claims to be the single largest California wine tasting in the
world!!
Tickets are
available for $45 in advance through the Fort
Mason Ticket office. Any remaining tickets
will be sold at the door on the day of the event for $55.
You can plan your
tasting strategy and which wineries you want to visit using the list at the CFW's web site .
Family Winemakers Public Tasting
Sunday
August 19th, 12:00 Noon until 4:00 PM
Herbst Pavilion
Fort Mason
Center
San Francisco, CA 94123-1382
We will be there looking for some new
discovery producers. HOPE TO SEE YOU!!
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