Tuesday, June 01, 2004
Back in the fall of 1999 I took a month long trip to Europe with stops in all different parts of France including Provence. My notes from there are posted on the WineScene web site. One of the wineries gave me a set of three wines, which most folks would have long ago consumed. Not me.
Here are my original notes from my visit to Domaine St. Andre de Figuries
I post them because the wines were tasted just yesterday, some 42 months or so after I visited the winery. Much to my delight, the Rose at age six was hardly showing any age or tiredness. It was in the class of the best Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose I've had. The white wine was exquisite as well. While the spring flower scent was much lighter, the wine had taken on a more complex mineral like aroma, a darker golden color, while the tropical fruit was very much apparent. The flavors of honeysuckle, oranges, lemons and peaches were all in the blend, and the mild tart lime finish made the wine stand out.
2000 Castle Rock Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
When this wine first came out, priced at a whopping $8.99 before case discounts, I was cheerleading for it. Now, a few years later, the wine is EVEN BETTER. Layers of Napa cherry fruit, hints of eucalyptus, plums and cassis, and just enough cedar on the palate. The nose is incredible. I figure the wine has five to seven more good years of drinking ahead. Hard to believe it was a nine dollar wine.
Here are my original notes from my visit to Domaine St. Andre de Figuries
1998 Grand Cuvee Rose
A blend of Cinsault and Mourvedre, this is a stellar wine. A light, almost translucent shade of pink, with fresh light strawberry fruit, hints of blackberries and an every deepening bouquet that fills the glass.
1998 Grand Cuvee Blanc
Made from Rolle and Semillon, the wine is produced in 100% new oak. The white leads off with a delicate spring flower scent, while its almost clear color delivers layers of spicy fruit, tropical flavors and a slight eucalyptus finish. Delightful alone or with Soupe de Poisson, this wine would be a wonderful in the summertime with fish or lighter chicken dishes.
I post them because the wines were tasted just yesterday, some 42 months or so after I visited the winery. Much to my delight, the Rose at age six was hardly showing any age or tiredness. It was in the class of the best Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose I've had. The white wine was exquisite as well. While the spring flower scent was much lighter, the wine had taken on a more complex mineral like aroma, a darker golden color, while the tropical fruit was very much apparent. The flavors of honeysuckle, oranges, lemons and peaches were all in the blend, and the mild tart lime finish made the wine stand out.
2000 Castle Rock Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
When this wine first came out, priced at a whopping $8.99 before case discounts, I was cheerleading for it. Now, a few years later, the wine is EVEN BETTER. Layers of Napa cherry fruit, hints of eucalyptus, plums and cassis, and just enough cedar on the palate. The nose is incredible. I figure the wine has five to seven more good years of drinking ahead. Hard to believe it was a nine dollar wine.
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