Wine Focus for October: Grenache, etc.

Here is a simple CdRV which accompanied last night's tasty rustic dinner of Toulouse sausages and fresh coco beans. It was made by the Sablet village co-operative from, according to village appellation rules, Grenache (min.50%), Syrah and Mourvèdre (min.20%). It had already lost some of its youthful lustre.

2015 Les Quéradières Côtes du Rhône Villages Sablet - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages Sablet (10/18/2016)
This is losing some of the vibrancy of extreme youth which it had in May. Still a pleasing drink though.

2015 Les Quéradières Côtes du Rhône Villages Sablet - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages Sablet (5/12/2016)
In spite of (or maybe because of) its extreme youth, I enjoyed this more than the '12. Dense colour, medium/full body, lots of sweetish dark fruit tinged with raspberry and blackberry, leather, pepper, garrigue, decent acidity to prevent cloying and touches of liquorice on a grippy finish. Not refined but ideal for a barbecue. Good wine and good QPR at <€6.

Tim, are the dates correct. Both 2015??

Yes, Bob, it was the same wine drunk after a few months interval.

[David M. Bueker]

Was sipping on a 2011 Pax Alder Springs Grenache this evening, and realized yet again that I do not get varietal Grenache in California. It was a perfectly nice wine with elegance and nuance, but just not interesting at all. Young vines? Bad locations? I have had numerous CA Grenache wines, and just cannot find a way to embrace the grape, except in a blend.

This wine is made from Grenache noir, Carignan and Syrah. I don't think that I would place it in the S.Rhône if blind. The fruit is less sweet than often there and there is more minerality,acidity and backbone.

2013 Mas Amiel Côtes du Roussillon Villages Pur Schiste - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Côtes du Roussillon Villages (10/28/2016)
This has changed very little since my first bottle almost two years ago. Colour is deep red and the nose shows dense dark fruit tinged with raspberry and a hint of liquorice. The palate is quite full and dense with lots of dark fruit laced with spice, mineral hints and again a little liquorice and raspberry and has sufficient substance for the high alcohol to remain unobtrusive. The overall effect is quite harmonious and classy. Good+ wine and good QPR at c.€10!

Tim, the only time I have seen Mas Amiel is on visits to the UK. Blank looks when I mention the name here in AB .

2005 Pierre Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Labeled 14.5% abv. The grapes are a majority Grenache, some Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault grown on different types of soil/terroir. Medium-dark color and opaque. I sniffed cherry and raspberry on the nose. The fruitiness on the palate almost suggests sweetness. This is at least at a drinkable stage and may be at its prime. I liked this better than a recently opened Chateau Gigognan CdP but not as well as the Usseglio CdP "Mon Aieul" that I have had in the past.

2015 Brotte Les Eglantiers Tavel Rose'. 14% abv. Grenache Noir, Syrah. Brotte is the negociant-eleveur. Fermented in stainless steel. This has an attractive bright mid-coral color and shows viscosity. I find bright red fruit notes on the nose, and flavors of raspberry and citrus. This is a vibrant and refreshing sipper with a balance of acid and fruit. I may save a bottle to put out as one of several wine choices for a communal Thanksgiving Dinner at church. I had this with an Asian-influenced meal of sesame chicken, rice and pork egg roll. Quite attractive!

2014 Alaya Tierra Old Vine. Almansa.

From Juan Gil, think around $42 Cdn, rep pouring downtown.
Deep purple color, plum and hint of chocolate on the nose plus some oak.
Needs time for sure as quite tannic. Plenty of blackberry, spice, lengthy finish, wondered if maybe style "new world". Not for my cellar but think has potential for those Juan Gil fans!