Even better, yet with only a minuscule amount made, the 2011 Cotes du Rhone les Garrigues is 100% Grenache, aged all in foudre, that comes from the same region as the Terre d’Argile. Loaded with strawberry, garrigue, roasted meats and mulled spices, it is medium to full-bodied, seriously endowed and gorgeously textured. Despite dishing out loads of fruit and texture, it remains remarkably fresh and elegant. Don’t miss a chance to latch onto a couple bottles if you can. Drink now-2018. Oct 2013, www.robertparker.com
Another killer wine, although little was made because of some problems with the Grenache crop, is the 2011 Cotes du Rhone Les Garrigues (only 250 cases produced). In many vintages, this is one of France’s finest Cotes du Rhones. The 2011 exhibits terrific fruit as well as classic notes of loamy, sandy soil, balsam wood, kirsch, lavender and roasted Provencal herbs. It should be consumed over the next 2-3 years. Drink: 2012 - 2015. Wine Advocate #203 Oct 2012
