SOMETIMES YOU GET LUCKY

Lucky enough to be in France's vastly underrated Languedoc region, lucky enough to read an article recommending a visit to Chateau le Bouis and lucky enough to have a range of outstanding wines shown to us by the charming, knowledgeable Audrey. We've lost count of the number of Cellar Doors we've visited around the world but this experience, thanks to Audrey and the wines, was up there with the best.

In a truly impressive line up these four impressed us most. If we lived in Europe we'd be buyng dozens of them. As it is we're enquiring about shipping costs to Australia.  But for the time being we just bought a few bottles of each for some upcoming tastings we have planned.

All wines scored 5/5 from me. They're all quite different in their style with a variety of winemaking techniques applied to different combinations of varieties. This is reflected in their labelling which unusually lacks any common cotporate branding theme. 

2014 Cuvee R ... a blend of Grenache, Carignan and Shiraz [14% a/v] 9.95 euro

2014 Cuvee Zoe ... mostly Carignan that's gone through carbonic maceration [14.5% a/v] 12.70 euro

2011 Cuvee Arthur ... mostly Shiraz with 12% from old Carignan vines [14% a/v] 15.50 euro

2011 Cuvee K ... mostly Shiraz with 6% Carignan [15% a/v] 25 euro

You may struggle to find these anywhere but from the winery:

Chateau le Bouis

Route Bleue, 11430 Gruissan 
ph 04 68 75 25 25

                                                            contact@chateaulebouis.com

RIVALLANA 2014 CRIANZA RIOJA

Our third wine of Outstanding Wine Tasting Number Three was the youngest and the lowest on the pecking order of Rioja. It held its own on the first day and continued to evolve into a beautifully balanced, medium bodied red. On the third day it was at its best which suggests a far greater cellaring life than was originally intended.

GRAPE VARIETIES: 
REGION: 
A/V: 13% 
PRICE: 4.49 euro 
FROM: Aldi, Spain
RATING: 4.5/5 from me 

RIVALLANA 2013 RESERVA RIOJA

This was the second wine opened each day of Outstanding Wine Tasting Number Three. It was undoubtedly the majority winner on day one and then faded into a distant third place by the end of the tasting. So perfect to open and drink now without too much excitement.

GRAPE VARIETIES: Tempranillo 90% The balance comprising of Carignan [Mazuelo] Grenache and Graciano
REGION: Rioja
A/V: 13.5% 
PRICE: 5.99 euro 
FROM: Aldi, Spain
RATING: 3.5/5 rating from me 

EPULUM GRAN RESERVA 2009 RIOJA

This starred in Outstanding Wine Tasting Number Three. It bullied its way through the first day with huge flavours all over the place. It softened slightly on day two and by day three had us all seduced. At eight years old and a mere eight euro this is a cellaring bargain that I would love to taste in 10 years time. The fact that it's still on retail shelves at this price is extraordinary

GRAPE VARIETIES: Tempranillo 85% Carignan [Mazuelo] 5% Graciano 10%
REGION: Rioja
A/V: 14% 
PRICE: 7.95 euro 
FROM: Aldi, Spain
RATING: 5/5 from me 

CHATEAU DE CARAGUILHES 2015 "SOLUS"

This is a really interesting wine for so many reasons. 
It's contained in an extremely expensive bottle with a decidedly untraditional French premium wine label. [it doesn't come with the stain down the side - that was our clumsiness] It's from the Corbieres-Boutenac Appellation that's set itself up as a cut above the average Languedoc in which it sits.
And it's a quadruple blend of Mouvedre, Shiraz, Grenache and Carignan with a hefty 14% a/v. 

We road tested it over 3 days and while it opened with plenty of near block busting promise there just wasn't the evolution we hope for in a young red. 

20 euro from Cave L'Avant Garde Margaux
3/5 Rating from me

DOMAINE ST MICHEL 2015 COTES DU

More of the same from SuperU


4.45 euro from SuperU France 
4/5 Rating from me