3x2 Rhône-Paket bei Wine in Black

Crous St Martin gehört vielleicht nicht zu den bekanntesten Betrieben im Châteauneuf-du-Pape, sorgt aber beständig für gute Weine zu einem beeindruckend guten Preis-Genuss-Verhältnis. Das zeigt sich mal wieder bei diesem 'Hommage à l’an 1879 Châteauneuf-du-Pape', der wirklich sehr viel bietet!

I loved the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Crous Saint Martin Hommage À L'An 1879, a blend of 80% Grenache and equal parts Syrah and Mourvèdre coming from a mix of sandy and pebbly soils. Mulled red and black fruit, roasted garrigue, licorice, and Provençal spice notes define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, round, beautifully textured, and concentrated.

This full-bodied Chateauneuf is very silky and manages to come off lighter than it really is. Lots of spice and wild thyme complexity. Long, structured finish that’s emphatically dry, but not a jot too muscular.

Blending 80% Grenache with the remainder equally divided between Syrah and Mourvèdre, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Crous Saint Martin Hommage à l'An 1879 aged for 15 months in a combination of stainless steel tanks (80%) and old oak barriques (20%). Swirling the glass unlocks prominent licorice, blackberry, black cherry and black tea aromas. Full-bodied and polished, the 2022 is sufficiently concentrated yet smoothly balanced and refreshing at the same time. It will provide ample pleasure right out of the gate.

Neben Châteauneuf-du-Pape ist Gigondas die zweite, wenn auch inoffizielle, Grand Cru-Appellation der südlichen Rhône. Eric Bonnet erzeugt dort für Crous St Martin hervorragende, genussvolle und preislich äußerst attraktive Weine wie diesen 'Les Espaliers'.

The 2022 Gigondas Les Espaliers is a touch straightforward at the moment, but I think it has potential. Ripe black raspberries, mulberries, and subtle Provençal herb notes define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, has good concentration, ripe tannins, and terrific overall balance. Based on 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, give bottles 2-4 years in the cellar if possible and it should drink nicely over the following decade.

Gewächse mit sagenhaftem Ruf gibt es an der Rhône viele, vor denen müssen sich die Roten der Appelation Vacqueryras aber keineswegs fürchten. Denn sie trumpfen mit hochkarätigem Genuss und sagenhaftem Preis auf – was will man mehr?

The 2022 Vacqueyras Les Volutes should be outstanding. Ripe cherries, red plums, sappy flowers, and some peppery, Provençal herb notes all make an appearance in the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, with a supple, elegant mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a rich yet also weightless style that's already hard to resist.