2010 Les Vignerons d'Estézargues Domaine des Fées Côtes du Rhône

SKU #1093118 90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The newest cuvee is from a single estate, located just to the west of Lirac, called Domaine des Fees. Bottled separately, there are 1,000 cases for the US market and this blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah, aged completely in concrete tanks, is stunning. Gorgeous notes of roasted meats, Provencal herbs, sweet black cherry liqueur, and licorice as well as spice jump from the glass of this dense, ruby/purple-tinged wine. Fresh, full-bodied and juicy, with a velvety texture, it is a beauty that would be best drunk over the next 3-4 years. Think of it as a Chateauneuf du Pape wearing a Cotes du Rhone mask. This co-op, located just south of the village of Chateauneuf du Pape in the sector known as the Gard, has been a perennial top-bargain pick in The Wine Advocate. (6/ 2011)

K&L Notes

Les Vignerons d'Estézargues is a co-op near the town of Avignon, but rather than combine all of the fruit from the different growers to make one wine, Les Vignerons d'Estézargues makes single cuvees from the best plots in a ddition to some blends. The Domaine des Fées is, according to the importer, a blend of Syrah and Grenache that drinks well above its extremely modest price point. This hearty CdR has all of Syrah's meaty-smoky characteristics, with heady spice, dense black fruit, Grenache's cherry lift and a touch of anise, all wrapped up with velvety tannins. Try it with your favorite grilled meat. 15% abv.