Famille Perrin 2011 "Pierre Blanche" Cairanne - 90+pts

Famille Perrin 2011 "Pierre Blanche" (Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne AOC) Rhone Valley - France

Availability: Private wine stores like Everything Wine in BC
Cost: $24 (BC)
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: January 10th, 2015

Tasting Notes: This is an excellent Côtes du Rhône Villages blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah from the town of Cairanne that favours the fruit-forward loving palate of North American consumers. Has all the complexity and savoury character one expects and loves from a top-notch CDRV but with the ripe, black currant and cherry flavours leading the way, especially mid palate where a touch of sweetness lingers before abdicating to the mouth-watering, terroir-driven finish of garrigues, anise spice and minerals. Should benefit from a further 1-3 years of ageing. Drink 2016-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Château de Beaucastel 2011 Chateauneuf-du-Pape - 94+pts

Château de Beaucastel 2011 Chateauneuf-du-Pape (Rhone Valley) France

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $92
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: February 27th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Perhaps lacking in the power department when compared to the opulent and dense 2010, the 2011 thrives on subtle layers of sweet red and dark fruit, dry rock, fragrant flowers, warm garrique and smooth tobacco aromas and flavours. Classic, quietly intense and long with ultra-fine tannins and an elegant character. Drink 2016-2030.
 - 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