Tim York wrote:Bob, very few wines from CDR or Villages are 100% Grenache, indeed I can only think of one from Gramenon. Rayas, of course, is and Tony Fletcher told us about one from Vacqeyras. Same goes for Côtes du Roussillon and Villages, except for one made by Hervé Bizeul, la Petite Siberie, costing €200!!! Even less in Languedoc. However, Grenache character shines through most of the blends where it is more than 50%.
Here is a nice CdR from the "Best bang for your buck tasting" tonite!
WTN: `05 Domaine de l`Ameillaud, Rhone.70% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 20% Carignan. 14% alc, good natural cork, $16 Cdn
Has some resemblance to a Cairanne I thought. Dark ruby in color, nose was an appealing blackcurrant, spice, earth, herbal quality as it warmed. To me, pretty classic.
Excellent palate with raspberry, medium tannins, good structure balance. Found some spice as it opened and filled out very nicely. Good deal considering our high prices.
60 participants in the tasting, some newbies, but very well liked overall. Will post other wines asap.