Another reason to go off the Cru track

Domaine de Cabasse les Deux Angles 2009.

Garnet color. Nose of black pepper, spice, and black raspberry and cherry fruits. On the palate the fruit comes forward, then it finishes with great balance. Long lasting. This is a great young wine from a "named" cotes du Rhone village.

Of note, the entire property looks great and I plan to visit this fall. Restaurant, small hotel, and the winery- this is a great looking southern Rhone property and the wines shine through.

http://cabasse.fr

Rose from the South

Ok, start with a green gazpacho, then add a red and mix. A bit of turkey bacon and a real blue cheese flavor it up. Chill.

Pale rose from Aix en Provence. Nose of red fruits- strawberry and red raspberry. Taste carries through the fruit, with wonderfully balanced acidity and a long finish.

My sense is just perfection. I like Miraval "Pink Floyd" but this 2011 goes a step beyond. Also have some 2010 left, great contrast when tasted side by side.

St Cecile les Vignes

This is exactly why one needs to go beyond the Cru villages to really appreciate the wines. This one is not listed on the producer's web site. Labeling is a pure viognier.

Nice clear straw color. Nose is exceptionally floral and white fruit, but a hint of pepper. The taste has fresh fruits and again the white pepper. Balance and acidity are wonderful. The taste lingers on the palate as a wonderful long finish dominated by white pepper.

Simply a great wine but it only earns a cotes du Rhone label.

State store price is about $16.

This is going in as a daily option for white.

Napa cab revisited

This is beginning to really hit its stride. Over the last couple of years it has seemed a bit too fruity, although quite good. Last night I opened one for the first time in about a year- it is maturing.

Color is still dark, but there is a hint of separation at the edge of the glass. Aromatics are now more complex- cigar and cedar, black cherry, licorice, and subtle vanilla. Taste is balanced with nice fruit and tannin. Finish was long.

I liked this when I bought it, now I am glad I have enough cellared to watch it grow.

In Grenache We Trust

Beautiful ruby color. Red berry and pepper nose. Cherry vanilla palate. Balanced finish.

Great young California Grenache!