Rhone varietals
Having some very limited experience with Rhone varietals from both France and California central coast I was wondering if anyone can comment on the similarities/differences in general between wines from the 2 appellations as well as comparisons of the finest wines. Specifically, between the SQN extended barrel aged Syrah and the Guigal single vineyard Syrah- do these bottles share any similarities or are they extremely different altogether?
Scott... The wines are very different in style. The extended barrel aged wines from Sine Qua Non can be amazing tasting experiences. They are richer, more powerful wines than the Guigal La La's. They display more oak and riper fruit qualities. For example, blueberries are often found in Sine Qua Non wines, but not in Cote Rotie. SQN wines are more powerful, alcoholic and lusher in texture. Sine Qua Non drinks well on release and should age well for a decade. La Mouline, La Turque and La Landonne can age for decades. A bottle of 1985 La Turque tasted a few days ago was young, bright and fresh.
I like some of the extended aged Sine Qua Non wines better than others. There are also wines like Pokerface and Just for the Love Of It that are as good, or better than most of the extended barrel aged Sine Qua Non wines.
Does this help answer your question?
Yes, that does help. I've only tasted one SQN Syrah- 05' Atlantis Fe, but from that one wine I know what you're talking about with the blueberry, high alcohol and lush texture. Would you say that most Cote Rotie age that well? I've seen some very reasonable bottles from Chapoutier and others from the 90's and was wondering if they would be good tasting experiences...
Scott... In my experience, most Cote Rotie run out of steam by 20 years. Some live longer, but that is about it for most wines. In those two decades, they develop amazing levels of complexity. Most Cote Rotie wines drink well after 5-10 years in the bottle. 1999 is perfect today!Originally Posted by Scott DeZutti
Chapoutier Mordoree ages well. The other Chapouteir wines from Cote Rotie do not age as well. Hermitage produces Rhone wines that age much longer. The best examples can age for decades.
If you want to read more about Northern Rhone wine from Cote Rotie Cote Rotie Wine Producer Profiles
If you want to read more about Northern Rhone wine from Hermitage Hermitage Wine Producer Profiles
Great- that's what I saw, some bottles of mid 90's Mordoree for under $100. Sounds like that might be a good deal to drink until I can get my hands on some Guigal...
I'd rather see you buy Rene Rostaing Cote Blonde. I have numerous Chapoutier wine tasting notes published you can read if you like; Chapoutier
If you want to browse Northern Rhone Wines - Cotie Rotie Wine Producer Profiles
Can you share some tips on Rhone wines that do not cost as much as Guigal or Chapoutier? Are there Rhone value wines?
Interestingly, this past weekend I drank a bottle of 07' Guigal Gigondas. I absolutely loved it and I might say that I have never had a bottle of wine under $30 that I liked as much as this wine. The texture of the wine was beautiful- very full bodied, great balance of acidity and tannin, lively, fresh mouthfeel. Raspberry & black cherry fruit with just subtle earthy nuances. It tasted fairly young, but not at all difficult to drink right now. You can get this bottle for around $25 and I will definitely be buying more. For value Rhone wines I would say definitely start here...
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