Tag Archives: Roussanne

Domaine JL Chave Hermitage Blanc 2012 – April 2016

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc, Rhone 2012 750ML ($319.95) Buy Now: $199 special

JL Chave Hermitage Blanc 2012Wine Spectator 97 points “A stunner from the start, with distinct depth to the creamed mango, white peach and heather flavors, this maintains superior precision and definition as the singed almond, chamomile, salted butter and ginger notes fill in. Glazed pear, elderflower honey and beeswax details chime in on the extremely long finish. Enjoyable now, but needs serious cellaring to show its full potential. Best from 2016 through 2037. 500 cases made.” JM

Wine Advocate 96 points “Much more open, fleshy and sexy, the 2012 Hermitage Blanc was just bottled a month prior to this tasting. Coming from l’Ermite, Les Rocoules, Maison Blanche and Peleat lieux-dits, it’s always a rough blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne that’s aged in barrel.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Lafage Cuvee Centenaire Cotes du Roussillon 2014 4-18-16

Lafage CentenaireDomaine Lafage Cotes du Roussillon Cuvee Centenaire, Languedoc-Roussillon 2014 750ML ($19.95) Buy Now: $16 special

I’m going to use two of my least favorite wine descriptors for this one: likeable and drinkable. They’re lazy truisms that leave me shuddering, but I can’t help but call Lafage’s ‘Centenaire’ just that. Truly likeable and really drinkable. There, I said it!

As the namesake suggests, the grapes are grown from hundred-year-old vines – Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, and a touch of Rousanne, in this instance. The wine has considerable body without ever overstaying it’s welcome. Round, somewhat tropical, and with this brilliant salinity which has me wanting more. Preferrably, outdoors, near a coastline. With seafood! I’m stumped in thinking who wouldn’t enjoy Cuvee Centenaire; it’s a killer wine at the moment and will only become more crucial as the summer months draw closer.… Read the rest