Domaine Saint-Damien 2013 Vieilles Vignes - 89+pts

Domaine Saint-Damien 2013 Vieilles Vignes (Côtes du Rhône) Rhône Valley - France

Availability: Limited availability. Private wine stores.
Cost: $30 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: February 15th, 2015

Tasting Notes: Big, round and bursting with aromas of roasted herbs, bramble-y red fruits and sun-soaked rocks, this blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Carignan and 5% Mourvèdre is sourced from vineyards ranging from 35-65 years of age, and offers fabulous value for money. The 2013 edition offers more residual sugar on the medium-bodied palate than recent vintages have, but we're still well clear of sweet California reds territory. Look for good continuity from the nose with similar flavours on the well-structured palate and lasting spice on the satisfying finish. Drink one now and put another away for another 2-3 years of further development. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Domaine Saint-Damien 2011 Vieilles Vignes - 89pts

Domaine Saint-Damien 2011 Vieilles Vignes (Côtes du Rhône) Rhône Valley - France

Availability: Limited availability. Private wine stores.
Cost: $21-25
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: June 15th, 2014

Tasting Notes: This blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Carignan and 5% Mourvèdre opens with a dense, meaty nose of dark fruit, forest floor, cedar, coffee grinds, dry herbs and violet aromas. Similar flavours follow on the dry palate where the 15% alcohol is impressively masked by the concentration of the dark fruit and savoury elements. While, medium-plus acidity and tannins keep the wine balanced and structured beautifully through to the moderate, spicy finish. Seek-out this expressive and moderately priced Côtes du Rhône charmer at your local French wine speciality store. Drink one now and put another away for another 2-3 years of further development. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Perrin et Fils 2009 Les Cornuds - 90+pts

Perrin et Fils 2009 Les Cornuds (Vinsobres) Rhone Valley - France

Availability: Private wine stores like Everything Wine in BC
Cost: $20-23 (BC)
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: January 30th, 2012

Tasting Notes: This is a well made Côtes du Rhône Village blend of 50% Syrah and 50% Grenache from the town of Vinsobres which yielded subtle notes of dark fruit and cool rocks on the reserved nose and then surprised with a massive concentration of plum, sour cherry, pepper, clove and oak characters on the mouth watering palate. The Syrah is the dominant component despite the equal quantities of Grenache and yet the tannins are fairly mild, though don't let that deter you from laying down one or two bottles for further development. Drink 2012-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Domaine Saint-Damien 2007 Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes - 90pts

Domaine Saint-Damien 2007 Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes (Côtes du Rhône) Southern Rhône Valley - France

Availability: Limited availability. Private wine stores.

Cost: $21-25

Alcohol: 15%

Date Tasted: May 20th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Opening with a pungent and powerful nose of meaty, forest floor this fabulous Côtes du Rhône gem may overload the sense of some wine drinkers. However, those willing to to be patient with the wine to open up and then venture forth will be handsomely rewarded.

This Grenache, Carignan and Mouvedre blend warms your nose and palate with it's heated aromas of warm, sun-drenched, mossy stones and bold dark berries. The 15% alcohol is impressively masked by the concentration of fruit and savory flavors. The palate is dry with medium-plus acidity and tannins with a balanced, lingering finish. Seek-out this expressive and moderately priced Southern Rhône charmer at your local French wine specialist store. Drink one now and put one away for another 2-3 years for further development.
 - Liam Carrier

Delas 2007 Saint Esprit - 88pts

Delas 2007 Saint Esprit (Cotes du Rhone) - France

Availability: Widely available. BCLDB Stores

Cost: $17.99

Alcohol: 14%

Date Tasted: February 8th, 2010

Tasting Notes: This dark-ruby coloured Cote du Rhone wine offers excellent value at under $20. It is smooth and delicious and chalk full of complex aromas and flavours. 2007 was another great vintage for Delas.

The nose offers hardy aromas of smoke and oak that mingle well with lighter, fruit aromas of dark cherries and red fruits. The medium-plus bodied palate offers both elegant, dark fruits and masculine mineral flavours punctuated with a smooth and balanced finish. This wine is about texture and it delivers. Enjoy on its own or pair with red meat and roasted potatoes. This wine is ready to drink now and with medium-plus acid and high-minus tannins will last through 2015, peaking in 2011.
- Liam Carrier