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

A REALLY PRETTY LABEL FOR A SURPRISINGLY PRETTY WINE

I don't expect Grenache to taste like this especially with a hefty 14.5% a/v. But this is a supple fruit driven red that's really approachable from the moment you pull the cork. Equally surprisingly is that it drank really well over five days. Drink now or cellar.

JUNTOS 2016 GARNACHA


GRAPE VARIETIES: Grenache
REGION: Spain
A/V: 14.5% 
PRICE: 3.49 euro 
FROM: Ald,  Spain
RATING: 5/5 from me 

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 

TIME FOR ANOTHER ROSE CHALLENGE?

Both these are from an extensive range we found at the stunning E.Leclerc St Vincent Tyrosse. Both are dry, both have a 4.5/5 recommendation and interestingly both are blends of three different red varieties. Their biggest difference is probably geographic coming from opposite southern corners of France. 

LARCISSE 2016 ST MONT ROSE
Never have I knowingly encountered a rose made from Tannat before. I associate that variety with huge thunderous reds - from Mclaren Vale in South Australia. For what it's worth Pinenc is also known as Fer.
GRAPE VARIETIES: Tannat, Pinenc, Cabernet Sauvignon
REGION: Saint Mont, Gascgone
A/V: 12% 
PRICE: 3.95 euro 
FROM: E.Leclerc
RATING: 4.5/5 from me



CHATEAU SAINT HIPPOLYTE 2016 ROSE
From the renowned Provence in the south east comes this beauty. Very pale salmon colour and searingly dry. Won't be to everyone's taste but we loved it
GRAPE VARIETIES: Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault
REGION: Provence
A/V: 13.5% 
FROM: E.Leclerc
RATING: 4.5/5 from me

GAYDA 2014 CHEMIN DE ROUGE

When I feel homesick a Languedoc red will usually cheer me up. While I get the impression that most of France view it as a lesser region I've always enjoyed the sun ripened Australian like nature of its wines. We tasted this one over three days and while it's a perfectly pleasant red we just hoped for more at this price.

GRAPE VARIETIES: 60% Shiraz 35% Grenache 5% Cinsault
REGION: Languedoc
A/V: 14% 
PRICE: 21 euro 
FROM: Cave L'Avant Garde Margaux 
RATING: 3/5 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

THREE STRIKES AND IT'S TIME TO CHANGE

Cellars des Dauphins Signature 2016 Cotes du Rhone

Like the previous two this is a great little red for the price but they are all starting to taste the same. Time to change course

4.60 euro from SuperU France 

4/5 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

MOULIN DE MEYRAN 2015 COTES DU RHONE

There's a certain sameness in these budget wines which shouldn't be surprising. They are all very well made and would be an extreme bargain in any other market. What is surprising is that the same supermarket would have so many similar wines at the same price point.

4.40 euro from SuperU France 
4/5 Rating from me

I'D HOPED FOR MORE

Beaumes de Venise 2015 Cotes du Rhone 
This unfortunately didn't provide a step up from the 5 euro stuff available. It's a harsh judgement because anywhere else in the world this would be a bargain

6.95euro from SuperU France 
3/5 Rating from me

THE FRENCH HAVE A DAMN FINE CRACK AT McLAREN VALE

Ogiers 2016 Heritages Cotes du Rhone


This is that classic Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre trifecta that our favourite region in Australia does so well. Well this one is blended to perfection with rich, ripe fruit characters in perfect harmony. With a hefty 14.5% a/v this superb red is the perfect antidote to any homesickness I may have for Australia

5.75euro from SuperU France 
5/5 Rating from me