...I've never tasted it. My wife enjoys more of a "jamy" quality in her wines, has a palate that doesn't tolerate a great deal of tannin. Is CdP worth a try given her tastes?
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You could start her off on the '03s, and stick with grenache-heavy CdPs to start; maybe Vieux Telegraphe?
Many thanks MeritageMan ... Any other producers you can think of (I want a few to work with so I can locate some with a quickness).
I think Chateau la Nerthe makes a more "modern" style and is pretty affordable. Their 01 was great, 03 was good, and I think the 05 has good reviews.
I think that often the CdP makers who (make multiple labels (a regular blended cuvee plus pricier single vineyard or reserve bottlings), their upper-tier labels get more of a modern and lush oak treatment which is closer to being "jammy," and probably are more familiar to those with a new world palate. Just to give one example, I think the Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de mon Aïeul is more in this style.
My hunch based on the sliver of info in your post is that your wife probably won't love CdP, particularly the traditional styles. If she likes lush, jammy wines and you want some new frontiers to discover besides California and Australia, you'd probably have more luck with some of the more internationally-styled wines from Tuscany and Spain.
My hunch based on the sliver of info in your post is that your wife probably won't love CdP, particularly the traditional styles. If she likes lush, jammy wines and you want some new frontiers to discover besides California and Australia, you'd probably have more luck with some of the more internationally-styled wines from Tuscany and Spain.
I agree with P Monty that Mon Aieul is a good choice, and I would add Pegau's Cuvee Reservee, though Pegau (in my limited experience) can sport some imressive tannin as well. If you're after jamminess with low tannin, I would recommend Aussie Shiraz: Mitolo's GAM, Amon-Ra, Oliverhill Jimmy Selection, and Mollydooker's Boxer and Carnival of Love all fit the bill. If you're really in search of Grenache, try Kalleske's Old Vine Grenache: the '03 seems more ageable, but the '02 is ready to go. 'Hope this helps.
Second the Telegraphe. I served the 04 to a couple of folks who had never had CdP and they loved it.
I consider the VT pretty faithful to its terroir, not a fruit driven (or jammy) style...a great example of CdP, but not one I usually suggest for beginners, so to speak...
for more fruit driven versions, try Janasse, La Nerthe or the Colombis '05 from Domaine Ferrando...I wouldn't call any of them jammy (which to me means the fruit is a bit too ripe) but they do offer more upfront appeal
for more fruit driven versions, try Janasse, La Nerthe or the Colombis '05 from Domaine Ferrando...I wouldn't call any of them jammy (which to me means the fruit is a bit too ripe) but they do offer more upfront appeal
I would not recommend Vieux Telegraphe in answer to this specific question, as I have found it to have very noticeable tannins, especially when young. I love it, but would not recommend it to someone who likes "jammy wines with not much tannin". Pegau cuvee reservee 2003 fits the bill, but 2004 is more tannic, so maybe not. I had a bottle of Fortia CdP that was very jammy (I forget which vintage) so that may be one to try.
I also like the recommendations of P Monty regarding Spanish wines. Juan Gil and Castano Solanera can be jammy with lighter tannins, especially in hot years like 2000 and 2003.
Stickman's Aussie suggestions also sound good.
If you read Parker, look for wines that he says are "super ripe" or "ultra ripe". That will get you to jammy in a hurry.
I also like the recommendations of P Monty regarding Spanish wines. Juan Gil and Castano Solanera can be jammy with lighter tannins, especially in hot years like 2000 and 2003.
Stickman's Aussie suggestions also sound good.
If you read Parker, look for wines that he says are "super ripe" or "ultra ripe". That will get you to jammy in a hurry.
The VT from a great vintage would be fine, but it'd have to be 20 years old.
VT is NOT jammy!
Marcoux, however, is. I would strongly urge consideration of Marcoux.
Marcoux, however, is. I would strongly urge consideration of Marcoux.
*cough* (realizes he meant Vieux Lazaret, not Vieux Telegraphe)
quote:Originally posted by winetarelli:
VT is NOT jammy!
Try a 20-25 year old VT from a great vintage. I know you haven't by your post.
I haven't had the experience (variety of producers/ vintages) but the original question was if trying a CdP on his wife who liked "jammy" styles of wines was worth it...
I served the 04 VT to two people who had never had CdP and typically drink CA wines and both LOVED the wine.
I cannot comment on its jamminess in comparison to other CdP's but it is a very good wine and one that I would recommend.
I served the 04 VT to two people who had never had CdP and typically drink CA wines and both LOVED the wine.
I cannot comment on its jamminess in comparison to other CdP's but it is a very good wine and one that I would recommend.
It occurs to me that Beurenard is usually dependable for big fruit too!
Try the 05 Fortia. Nice QPR.
I've heard a great deal of stellar reviews on the Clos de Papes CdP ... Given that it's not mentioned as one my wife might enjoy given her affinity for less tanic, more fruit forward wines, perhaps I'd enjoy it. Can someone expound on this wine and describe it's virtues?
It's worth a try for both of you, but I wouldn't get my hopes up.