SOUTHERN FRANCE/LANGUEDOC COMPARISON
2007 Chateau de Lascaux Coteaux du Languedoc – Blend of 60 % Syrah, 35 % Grenache, and 5% Mourvèdre grapes
“Crushed red fruit, tobacco and garrigue notes give this red character and power. Intense midpalate, where this is filled with cocoa powder notes, finishing with plenty of mineral. Offers excellent balance. Drink now through 2014.”Rated 89 Wine Spectator
2005 Max Belles Eaux Sainte Helene Languedoc – Blend of 70% Syrah, 20% Grenache, and 10% Mourvèdre grapes
“Rich, ripe aromas and flavors of kirsch, dark plum, chocolate and spice are backed up by a chiseled structure and firm tannins. The lush finish echoes the spice, with touches of pepper and beef. Syrah, Grenache and Carignane.” Rated 92 Wine Spectator
PETIT SIRAH COMPARISON
2005 Rosenblum Petite Sirah Pickett Road (Napa Valley) – Blend of 80% Petite Sirah, 20% Carignane grapes
“A fabulous offering, the 2005 Petite Sirah Pickett Road Vineyard exhibits a dense purple color followed by a sumptuous nose of blueberries, black currants, crushed rocks, and graphite. Full-bodied with admirable concentration and sweet tannin, it should evolve for 10-15 or more years.”Rated 92 The Wine Advocate
2007 Spellbound Petite Sirah (California) – Petit Sirah grape
A wine from Rob Mondavi, this is a spectacular Petite Sirah with exquisite potential. Inky/purple to the rim, its floral notes intermixed with incense, blueberry, blackberry, scorched earth, and pepper are reticent but can be coaxed out of the glass. The wine has huge concentration and extract, massive fruit and tannin, and should literally be forgotten for 7-8 years. It will evolve for 30+ years.
Rated 92 The Wine Advocate
AMARONE de VALPOLICELLA COMPARISON
2006 Luigi Righetti Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Capitel de’ Roari (Italy) – Blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes
Sweet berry and jam on the nose. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and very pretty ripe fruit. Offers fine tannins and a long finish. So delicious now. Why wait? Readily available and well-priced. Drink now through 2013. Rated 90 Wine Spectator
2005 Nando Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (Italy) – Blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes
Color, when young, is rich ruby red. After aging (8-10 years), it shows orange overtones on the edge. Bouquet is reminiscent of currants and sweet berry extracts. Flavors are dry and velvety. Robust, sapid and harmonious with a slight sweet finish. The grapes are selected, and only the best bunches are dried in trays for about 90 days. The grapes cannot be vinified before January 1st of the following year. The skins stay in contact with the must for approximately 60 days. The fermentation can be prolonged for up to 90 days. WineChateau.com