TN: 2011 Michel Gassier Costieres de Nimes Nostre Pais Blanc

One question is are you a fan of white rhones in general as they can be a polarizing wine. I had a much different experience, but I am a fan of white rhones and particularly Grenache Blanc, which accounts for 80% of this wine, with the rest being 5% Roussanne, 5% Viognier, 5% Bourboulenc and 5% Clairette. More restrained and more mineral notes that the fine Grenache Blanc from Curran in the Central Coast of CA.

2011 Michel Gassier Costières-de-Nîmes Nostre Pais Blanc - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Costières-de-Nîmes (6/5/2013)
Medium to full bodied melon and lemon fruit with medium acidity and fairly viscous. Nice steeliness and minerality on the finish. Really nice food wine and value. (90 pts.)

I haven't tasted the 2011 yet, but I loved the 2010.

vinole,

I have to admit I don't have a lot of experience with white rhones, though the ones I've had I've enjoyed very much. That is why I purchased these. I'm not certain if the ones I've enjoyed had such a high percentage of Grenache Blanc though. However, I would not describe the wine I had last night as having nice steeliness and minearality. It just might be a bad bottle or in a weird place at the time -- elements just seemed to be fighting each other. I'm hoping some time will bring it all together. Or, maybe you're right, and I just don't enjoy wines with that high a percentage of Grenache Blanc.

TLV,

I know, your notes on the 2010 are some of the notes that convinced me to try this.

quote:

Originally posted by eyesintime:
vinole,

TLV,

I know, your notes on the 2010 are some of the notes that convinced me to try this.

Oh sure, blame me.

Maybe it was an off bottle, or maybe the '11 is not as good. I keep meaning to pick up some of this, but I haven't yet.

eyes, maybe the bottle was flawed? I've had this wine 5 times and it's delicious! Grenache Blanc is a great favorite of mine.

tlv, trust me. Get the 2011.

Will do.

I loved the 2010 but haven't been able to get my hands on the 2011. All sold out of my local sources. For those who like Grenache blanc and similar styles the chapoutier belleruche blanc is a good deal and is 100% Grenache blanc.

quote:

Originally posted by Board-O:
eyes, maybe the bottle was flawed? I've had this wine 5 times and it's delicious! Grenache Blanc is a great favorite of mine.

tlv, trust me. Get the 2011.

I think I might pick up a different Grenache Blanc -- I believe Curran gets some love on these boards -- to see if it is just the grape that is not my cup of tea.

quote:

Originally posted by eyesintime:

I think I might pick up a different Grenache Blanc -- I believe Curran gets some love on these boards -- to see if it is just the grape that is not my cup of tea.

I love the Curran as well, but that is 100% Grenache Blanc, whereas the Gassier is a blend as vinole pointed out above.

Interesting that you mention it today - I'm planning on picking up some of the Gassier today, and drinking that and some Curran while tailgating at the Buffett show this afternoon.

The Gassier was out of stock. Oh well.

quote:

Originally posted by thelostverse:
The Gassier was out of stock. Oh well.

ehemm... try the Chapoutier Belleruche Blanc

quote:

Originally posted by lizardking:
the chapoutier belleruche blanc is a good deal and is 100% Grenache blanc.

The 2009 wasn't. It's a blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Bourboulenc. At least that's what they told us at the winery. Solid wine.

That's interesting. I got the info from the website, I believe it was for the 2010. I'll make a note that it changes from year to year. Thanks.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lizardking:
I loved the 2010 but haven't been able to get my hands on the 2011. All sold out of my local sources. For those who like Grenache blanc and similar styles the chapoutier belleruche blanc is a good deal and is 100% Grenache blanc.

I recently purchased some 2011 from premier cru on pre arrival so I'm hoping to get it this fall.