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RHÔrur VAIIEY 201Onruo2C-1I(3-l3T) MISC - ROUSSILLON, SPATN,CnutroRNIA ( I 3 I -l 36)

1'he Rhone Report is publishedquarterly by The RhoneReport, LlC, 12181Crabapple St. Broomfield,CO Soozo (3o3) Sz+'2532and is via subscriptiononly. The yearly rate is 59.99 and electronicsubscriptions can be purchasedsecurely via credit card at Copyright@ zou, All rights reserved.Users of the TheRhoneReport.comsite may saveand useinformation contained therein only for personaluse. No other use,including reproduction,retransmission, or editing, of the information maybe madewithout prior written permissionof The RhoneReport, L[C, which may be requestedby contactingJeb Dunnuck at [email protected] portions of this newslettercan be usedby the wine trade assumingTheRhoneReport.com is credited. blend of 8o% Grenache and zo% Mourvedre aged all in concrete tank, it offers up heavenly anomas ofgarrigue, licorice, wild flowers, and blackberry liqueur{ike characteristics that flow seamlessly to a full-bodied, decadent, and textured Gigondas that has no hard edges, awesome concentration and solid underlying structure. It can be consumed now, or cellared for another decade or more. (gZ pts.)

zoo5 Domaine Saint-Damien Glgondas Les Souteyrades (FYance, Rhône, Southetn Rhône, Gigondas) Aging beautifully and just now entering the early stagesof prime drinking, the zoo5 Domaine Saint-Damien Gigondas læs Souteyrades(same blend and elevage as the newer vintages) is a rich, full-boclied Gigondas that is loaded with traditional aromas of garrigue, plum, toasted spice, and smoke meat characteristics on the nose. It is polished and supple on the palate, with no hard edges and a hedonistic slant, yet there is still excellent conc€ntration, layers of texture, and plenty of length. Enjoy bottles over the following decade. (SS pts.) DonaanNESAINT GnyRN 2011 Domaine Saint Gavan Giqondas Red 87-90 2010Domaine Salnt Gayan Gigondas ln NominePatris Red 92+ Website:www.saintEayan.fr

zorr Domaine Saint Gayan Gigondas (Frcnce, Rhône,Southern Rhône, Gigondas) A medium-bodied,elegant, and complexzorr, the DomaineSaint GayanGiggndas is a blend of 8o% Grenache,r5% Syrah,and 5% Mourvechethat will spendrz months or more in a combinationof foudresand demi-muids. Traditional on both the noseand palate,it exudesnotions of baking spices, Ioamy earth,and dusty minerality that are intermixed with quality unilerlying red and black styledfruits on the nose. Ripe and chewyon the palate,with grippy tannin and relativelyhigh acidity, this overall fresh Gigondaswill impressivefor upwardsof a decade.(82-9o pts.)

zoro Domaine Saint Gayan Gigondas In Nomine Pafis (Frcnce, Rhône,Southern Rhône,Gigondas) A limited productioncuvee (r3oo bottles) that comesfrom roo-year-oldGrenache vines and was aged for rz-monthsin old oakbarrels,the zoro DomaineSaint GayanGigondas In Nomine Patris is beautifully complexand aromatic,showing sweet kirsch liqueur, wild herbs,garrigue, and sappy floral qualitieson the nose. This is followed by a medium+ bodied Gigondasthat haslayers of sweetfruit, a suppletexture, and building richnessthat comesthroughonthefinish.Iamafan,anditcouldusez-4yearsofbottleagetofleshout,andshoulddrinkwellforrz-r5years,ifnotlonger. (92+ pts.) DonaruNESAINT PnÉPEnr,/ DonANINEISABEL FERRANDO Châteauneuf Vieilles Clairette m-95-97

2010Domaine Saint Préfert Golombis 1 Incated in southernportion of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, seems to go some the most compellingwines coming out of the RhoneValley. In addition to her mintl blowing Chateauneufs,she also releasesa beautiful Côtesdu Rhône, her BeatusIlle, and it is a solid intro into the estatewith hints ofthe texture, richness,and elegancethat can be found in her upper tier wines.Website: www.st-uefert.fr

zorr Domalne Saint Préfert Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vigrres Clairefte (, Rhône,Southern Rhône,Châteauneuf-du-Pape) $NA Tastedout ofbanel and a thrilling, unique white, the 2or1 DomaineSaint Préfert Châteauneuf-du-PapeVieilles VignesClairette is roo% Clairette,from 6o+ year-oldvines, that is all agedin a singlenew oak barrel. Gorgeouslyperfumed and aromatic,with ripe peach,lemon peel,orange blossom, and hints ofclassyoak all emergingfrom the glass,this hits the palatewith layersoffruit and a full-bodied, richly textured mouth feel that neverseems hearry or cumbersomein the least, Pickingup more minerality with air, this staysfresh, focused, and cleanthrough the finish. I haveno idea how it will age, yet I cannotimagine going wrong if you drink bottles over the comingg-S years. It is a serious,rich white that deservesa classymeal. (95-92 pts.)

zorr Domaine Saint Préfert Côtes du Rhône Beatus Ille (France, Rhône,Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône)$NA The first vintageofthis tlat I havebeen able to taste,the 2ou DomaineSaint PÉfert Côtesdu RhôneBeatus Ille is a rock solid wine and an excellent introintolsabel'sstyle.AblendofSo%Grenacheandzo96Cinsault,itisallfinesseandelegance,withsweetkirschliqueur,garrigue,andredlicorice qualitiesflowing to polished,sillçy, and gorgeouslytextured palate. long, sweetlyfruited, and supple,with real classand poise,this outstandingCôtes du Rhôneshould be enjoyedover the coming3-S years. (9o pts.)

soro Domaine Salnt Préfert Châteauneuf-du-Pape (France, Rhône,Southern Rhône,Châteauneuf-du-Pape) $NA The zoro DomaineSaint PréfertChâteauneuf-du-Pape is also linockout stuff. A blend of 85%Grenache, 5% Cinsault,S% Syrah, and 57oMouwedre (the Grenachesees only cementtank, while the others are agedin larger oak barrels) that comesfrom the estate'syounger vines (< 3o years),it offersloads of spice,framboise, and licorice aromasand flavors to go with a medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured mouth feel, ripe tannin, and an overall balanced,elegant profile. It will shine for 10-12years. (Sg pts.)

zoro Domaine Saint héfert Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve Auguste Favier (F'rance,Rhône, Southern Rhône,Châteaunanf-du-Pape) $NA A step up in terms of sizeand richness,yet still leaning towardsthe elegantend of the spectrum,the 2oro DomaineSaint PréfertChâteauneuf-du-Pape RéserveAuguste Favier is a blend of 85% Grenacheand r5% Cinsaultthat is agedin neutral demi-muid. It deliversa smokingbouquet of wild strawberry,blackberry, garrigue, licorice, and exoticspice that flows to a full-bodied, seamless,and elegantChâteauneuf-du-Pape that hasno hard edges, fantasticfreshness, and building tannin on the finish. It is a beautifrrllyfresh zoro that will be better with a handful of yearsin the cellar, and drink well for rz-r5 years.(SS pts.)

www.TheRhoneReoort.com /ssue 13, September201 2 't02 2o1o Domaine Isabel Ferrando Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis (France, Rhône,Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape) gNA More ripe and voluptuous,the 2o1o DomaineIsabel Ferrando Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis is 1oo%Grenache (from incredibly low lelds of rShVht) that comesfrom four lieu-dits; Colombis,Iæs Rous, Cristia, and Rayas.It is knockoutstuffthat will competewith the best of the vintageand possesses textbookGrenache aromas ofblackberry and assortedred fruits, licorice, garrigue,peppered meats, and lavenderthat flow to full-bodied, seamless,and beautifullybalanced palate that has no hard edges,brilliant freshness,and finely polishing tannin that frames the finish. À spectacular,profound wine, it shoulddrink wellfor tz-t5+ years.(98 pts.)

2o1o Domaine Saint Préfert Châteauneuf-du-Pape Collection Charles Giraud (France, Rhône,Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-ilu-Pape) gNA Absolutelymonumental and a phenomenalbottle ofwine, the zoro DomaineSaint Préfert Châteauneuf-du-Pape Collection Charles Giraud,6o% Grenacheand 4o% Mourvedre,is the largestscaled wirie in the lineup and boastsincredible richness and depth, while at the sametime stayingfresh, pure,andelegantonthepalate.Possessingthrillingaromaticsofblackberryliqueur,meatjuice,roastedherbs,licorice,lavender,andgarrigue,thishits the palatewith a full-bodied, decadent,and voluptuoustodure that carriesmasses ofripe unajn, $snutiful freshness,and blockbusterlength and focus on the finish. It is incredible stuff, hits all the right notesfor me, and will drink well for two decadesor more. (roo pts.) zorr Domaine Saint Préfert Châteauneuf-du-Pape Collection Charles Giraud (FIance, Rhône,Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-èlu-Pape) $NA Also impressivewas the 2o1t DomaineSaint Préfert Châteauneuf-du-PapeCollection Charles Giraud. Tastedas a barrel sampleand up there with the best ofthe vintage,it possessesknockout aromaticsofsmoked meats,blaclùerry, grilled toast, and roastedherbs to go with a full-bodied, voluptuous texture,beautiful purity of fruit, and ripe tannin that givessome focus to the finish. It is alreadyupfront and approachable,yet should drink well for over adecade.(S+-gZpts.) DonaruruESANTA Duc 2009Santa Duc Selections Les Garancières Red 2010Domaine Santa Duc Selections LesVieilles

2010Domaine Santa Duc Habemus

2010Domaine zoog Santa Duc Selections Gigondas Les Garancières (Franæ, Rhône,Southern Rhône, Gigondas) $Sz A blendofSo% Grenache, 10% Mouruedre, and ro% Syrahthat is ageclhalfin tank andhalf in foudre,the zoog SantaDuc Selections Gigondas Iæs Garancièrescomes from selectparcels all acrossthe appellation. Beautifullyperfumed and fragrant, with ripe aromasof spicedred and black berry fruits, smokemesquite, seaweed, herbs de Provence,and roastedmeats all soaringfrom the glass,this full-bodied Gigondashas layers ofripe fruit, solid 'o9, mid-palateconcentration, anil sweettannin that emergeson the finish. A beautifirlly ilone this is superbnow, yet will evolvegracefully for another decadeor more. (9r pts.)

2o1o Domaine Santa Duc Selections Côtes du Rhône Iæs Vieilles Vignes (&ance, Rhône,Southern Rhône, C6tes du Rhône)$t8 Comingfrom 5o-year-oldvines planted in the Plan de Dieu, ,and ,the zott DomaineSanta Duc SelectionsCôtes du RhôneIæs Vieilles VipesisatankagedblendofTo%Grenache,zg9îSyrah,and5%Cinsault.Itoffersupanoutstandingbouquetofbakingspice,wildherbs,fennel,and underlyingfloral qualitiesto go with a medium to full-bodied, balanced,and cleanpalate. This has solid freshness,as well as good concentrationand depth. I am impressedand this rocking value will drink well for 4-5 years. (9o pts.) .

2ou Domaine Santa Duc Côtes du Rhône Les Quatre Tenes (France, Rhône,Southern Rhône,Côtes du Rhône)ÊNA A similar blend (7o%Grcnache, zg% Syrah,g% assorted),the zolo DomaineSanta Duc Côtesdu RhôneIæs Quatre Terres,aged all in old barrels,is decidedlysofter and more approachablethan the LesVieilles Vignesand deliversa medium-bodied,round suppleprofile, spiceand garriguelaced aromatics,and goodlength on the finish. It is an upfront, early drinker gearedfor consumingover tbe coming 3-4 years. (87-89 pts.) zoro Domaine Santa Duc Côtes du Rhône Les Quatre Terres (Flance, Rhône,Southern Rhône,Côtes du Rhône)$24 A stepup from the zorr, the zoro LesQuatre Tenes (meaning "The Four lands") is a blendof 7o%Grenache, z5% Syrah, and 5%Carignan anrl Cinsault that comesfrom ,, Rasteau, and Séguret. Fermentedwith partial stemsand agedin old barrels, it is a rich, mineral-drivenoffering that has copiousamount of exoticspice, saddle leather, garrigue, and sweetGrenache fruit to !o with a medium to full-bodied, elegant,and finessesdriven palatefeel. It is a borderline outstandingCôtes du Rhônethat will shinefor 4-6 years. (8S pts.)

2oo9 Domaine Santa Duc Côtes du Rhône Les Quatre Terres (France, Rhône,Southern Rhône,Côtes du Rhône)$t8 Similarly styled,yet showingthe riper quality ofthe vintage,the 2oo9 DomaineSanta Duc Côtesdu RhôneIæs Quatre Terresdisplays even more ganigue, toastedspice, saddle leather, licorice, and dusty minerality, aswell as a sweetlyfruited, round, supplepalate that hasno hard edges,a mcking texture,and a touch of dry tannin on the finish, Also borderline outstanding,this beautyoozes southern Rhonecharacter and canbe drunk now, or over the coming4-5 years. (8g pts.) www.TheRhoneReoort.com /ssue 1O September2012 103