Three French wines to love- new to the store and at great everyday prices.
A collaboration inspired by history, Les Vins de Vienne is a partnership of Yves Cuilleron, Francois Villard and Pierre Gaillard. They are the three superstar, Syrah-specialist vignerons in the Rhône. the vineyard dates back to Roman times.
90 pts- 2016 Les Vins De Vienne Cotes Du Rhone Les Cranilles
A thoroughly modern take, brimming with lush Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre fruit and a sexy spiciness dusted with ancient earth.
Tasting notes:
Deep ruby. Fresh raspberry, boysenberry and pungent flowers on the fragrant nose. Chewy and sharply focused, displaying good energy and spicy lift to the fresh dark berry and cracked pepper flavors. Finishes spicy and smooth, featuring gentle tannins, lingering spiciness and a touch of allspice.
$13.95 (compare elsewhere for up to $24.99)
93 pts- 100 % Syrah; Les Vins de Vienne, St. Joseph
P to like here: it’s a wine with good heart and style, even flair.
Under the purplish red color, the nose is medium and complex. Enjoy this dry, medium-bodied and spicy red featuring refreshing acidity. On the palate, it showcases fleshy tannins and a broad mouthfeel that leads into a long finish.
$24.99
2016 Les Vins de Vienne; Cornas Les Barcillants
Crown Jewel of the trio, Cornas is dark red with good depth. The nose is based on a mix of nutty oak, black cherries, black olives, has a little mystery in its depth. It’s an assured start. The palate sweeps along on a run of black fruits, acetate present, with smooth, flexible tannins steering the finish, which gushes a little. It needs time to integrate and fuse, goes in different directions for now. The potential is there for a well- shaped Cornas.
$42.99