1996 Tardieu-Laurent Crozes-Hermitage Vieilles Vignes

(France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage)

Good syrah. Inky purple wine, almost black. Nose of blood, leather, white pepper, and cranberry. Leather, iron, black pepper, cranberry and citrus (yes, citrus) dominate the attack. The midpalate is a little hollow with only the iron and citrus carrying it through to a very posteriorly-located cranberry finish that comes on in a wave about 5 seconds after swallowing. I was a little disappointed in this showing, but I wouldn’t kick it out of bed.

88 Points.

2001 Gangloff Côte-Rôtie La Barbarine

(France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie)

Great bottle with both the lamb that my wife had, and my pork belly. I think this may have been the single greatest food and wine pairing I’ve ever experienced. The nose on this wine was incredible – graphite, blue stone, and iron. After I took a bite of food, I would reach for my glass, bring it to my lips, and pause for just a few moments to let the bouquet mix with the lingering flavor of the dish before taking a mouthful. I have never been so entranced by a nose.  The wine as a standalone was great, with tons of red fruit, flint, leather, and iron on the palate. The mouthfeel was lush and the finish was remarkably long. Really a fantastic bottle of wine, chosen by Emily Wines (@ewino on Twitter), Master Sommelier, Wine Spectator Grand Award Winner, and bottle-sabering sensei. Gangloff is a producer I will definitely be looking for in the future.

94 points.

2004 Domaine des Lises Crozes-Hermitage

(France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage)

WOW! One of the best bottles I’ve had in a long time! The color is a beautiful, dense, inky purple that you could use to paint home interiors. The nose is a lovely bouquet of asparagus, leather, cherry, and a whiff of lavender. The asparagus came through on the palate as well. The mouthfeel was dense, round, and chewy. The initial flavors were bright red fruit, plums, and raspberries. Then on the mid palate, the leather and meat hit me. Beautifully round structure, the tannins set up a gorgeous backbone. The finish is long and lingering, with asparagus, plum, and leather again. This is a seriously masculine bottle of wine. Technical note: I let this decant for about 4 hours all told, and served it at about 55 – 60 degrees. The fruit is explosive at 55 deg, the earthy notes are more pronounced at 60.

I’m in love. I hope my wife’s not pissed at me.

94 points. $25, Buy and keep.

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