M. Chapoutier (France) 2009 Cotes du Rhone Belleruche Red

The vineyards of the red Côtes du Rhône Belleruche extend over the "communes" of Sablet and Séguret, on a silty and stony subsoil coming from the former bed of the rhône. The grapes are hand harvested at maturity. 100 % destemmed. Maceration lasts 15 days and procures a good tannic structure which permits the ageing and guarantees the stability of the wine.

' Even better, and a real sleeper of the vintage, is the 2009 Cotes du Rhone Belleruche red. Dominated by 80% Grenache, with the rest Syrah and Mourvedre, this wine has a deep ruby/purple-tinged color to the rim, a big, spicy, peppery, kirsch-scented nose, and medium-bodied, juicy flavors, with intriguing minerality and loads of fruit and texture. This is a very serious Cotes du Rhone that should drink nicely for 3-4 years. (To Chapoutier’s credit, this is made completely from contracted biodynamically farmed vineyards, as opposed to buying fermented juice from growers.)' 89 pts » Robert Parker - Wine Advocate # 191. » Oct 2010