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Grignan-les-Adhémar is a new name for an old appellation - formerly Côteaux du Tricastin, it is the northernmost region of the southern Rhône with an oenological history stretching back over 2,000 years but re-branded in 2010.
These wines were all ripe-yet-balanced; the Cellier des Dauphins is a lovely quaffer that is ready to drink now, whilst the others show some complexity and aging potential - if you can't wait, put them in a decanter to allow them to open up.
Cellier Des Dauphins Cuvee Traditionelle 2011 (Asda £8.50) dark berries, vanilla sweetness and fresh fruit acidity; lively and vivacious. Surprisingly juicy and gluggable, very enjoyable.
Domaine de Montine Viognier 2012 (on-trade, c £23) medium straw yellow; citrus, zest some musky toastiness and a touch of pithy bitterness. Sweet ripe tropical citrus, a touch of sweet, warming spice and white pepper with beeswax and floral honey. Poised, balanced and complex. Good.
Delas 2011 (independents, £10) dark berries, spice and tar with a musky-feral-funky edge. Ripe berry fruit, peppery spice, fresh acidity; long and savoury, lovely texture. Will age. Very Good.
Domaine de Montine Emotion 2011 (on-trade, c £23) Grenache / Syrah blend, old vines, organic, two years in 2-4yo oak. Dark opaque purple; ripe dark fruit, cool mint, balancing acidity, ripe, firm tannins, lots of savoury spiciness; dense and long, with lots of stuffing. Muscular yet poised and precise. Will age. Very Good.
Other related articles
Rhône Tasting with H2Vin
Iggy Pop and Côtes du Rhône
Links
Domaine de Montine - website, Facebook
Delas - website
Cellier des Dauphins - website
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