Even better, yet with only a minuscule amount made, the 2011 Cotes du Rhone les Garrigues is 100% Grenache, aged all in foudre, that comes from the same region as the Terre d’Argile. Loaded with strawberry, garrigue, roasted meats and mulled spices, it is medium to full-bodied, seriously endowed and gorgeously textured. Despite dishing out loads of fruit and texture, it remains remarkably fresh and elegant. Don’t miss a chance to latch onto a couple bottles if you can. Drink now-2018.
Located in the town of Courthezon, and covering 38 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape and 100 acres in Cotes du Rhone, Domaine de la Janasse is run by the brother/sister pair, Christophe and Isabelle Sabon. While 2011 was a difficult vintage throughout the region, you wouldn’t know it by tasting here. These wines are superb across the board and should not be missed.
Importer: Eric Solomon, European Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565