WTN: La Vielle Ferme 2005

Cotes du Ventoux. Perrin and Fils.

A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre and Cinsault. Back label doesn't provide info on what percentages are involved.

Have enjoyed this red many, many times over the years. The wine has always been one of my top QPRs. This time, not so much. I just hope it was the bottle that was slightly off, rather than the wine or the vintage itself.

Very dark purple color in the glass.

Spicy, peppery, very tangy, forward black cherry and raspberry fruit. Much sharper, firmer and leaner than I recall previous bottles being, lacking the richness and roundness that I recall.

A short, sharp, tart finish.

Screwcap closure.

Bruce:

I agree with your general comments about this wine. It is one of standards to have for decent valued everyday red.

I have not tried this vintage yet but will pick up a bottle should I locate one and like you, hope that it was merely bottle variation rather than indicative of the vintage.

Usually prefer the red to white. White has been quite funky at least for me of late. May have been slight cork taint given the quality of corks they were using but I am assuming they have gone the screw top closure so that should end that.

Had a bottle their rose last week and at that price level [$12.95] Cdn. I will buy more and it will compete with the Artazuri Garnacha for my "house pink".

Hi Bob, that rose is on my list. Just posted on the Houchart on Wine Focus, good buy from DeVines.

My local WineStyles has this wine. I'm not sure which vintage (2004 vs. 2005), but for less than $10, I thought it was quite a nice daily drinker.