Dale Discovers
Four New Rhones
From Negotiant and Producer
Henry Bouachon

  First up is the '01 Maison Bouachon Crozes-Hermitage, La Maurelle which comes from the southern soils of the appellation made up of granite-rich terraced vineyards overlooking the Rhone River itself. The single grape variety, Syrah, undergoes fermentation in controlled temperature conditions with frequent pumping over and cap punching.

  Dark red ruby with violet hues this wine is dazzling with youth.  Its bouquet of red and dark fruit and berries is characteristic Syrah.  On the palate, it is a blend of aromatic richness with density, substance and a silky texture which will enhance any cuisine of a hearty nature.  Regularly $13.99 it is on sale at the incredible price of only $10.99, unheard of for a designated Crozes-Hermitage making it one of the finest bargains in the store today.  Don't miss it if you love hearty, full-bodied reds at an astounding price!!

   Next is a small estate marketed by the Bouachon negotiant firm.  The '01 Domaine de la Combe Dieu Rasteau is one of the brightest spots of Cotes du Rhone Villages.  This one is rich in blackberry fruit with loads of interesting spice in a dense and complex package.  An intense Rhone that is both affordable and worthy of purchasing by the case it is regularly $10.99 and a Winter feature at ONLY $8.79!!  It's a GREAT buy in a GREAT bottle of Rhone red!!

   The third in my quartet of great value Rhone reds is the '00 Chateau d'Aigueville Cotes du Rhone.  This estate dates from the end of the 18th century and is situated in Serignan, in the north of Orange in the very heart of the Cotes du Rhone production area.  50% Grenache, 20% Syrah with the balance Carignan and Cinsault, this wine is a perfect example of a food-friendly red with the requisite berry flavors and a bold dash of tart cherry that keeps it interesting.  Winner of the Bronze Medal l'Orange, it has a full red color with an elegant and perfumed bouquet with great depth of flavor and a lingering finish.  It is a beautiful and tasty red that you shouldn't miss that's regularly $8.99 and ON SALE at an incredible $6.99!!  At this price how can you go wrong??

   And lastly is the Henry Bouachon '00 Grenache-Syrah.  A drier and more complex example than you may have experienced, its acidic structure and bright fruits make it an easy match with red meats or hearty-flavored grilled chicken or pork.  Easy to drink and LOVE, it is a delicious bottle of wine.  Regularly $8.99, it is a Frequent Buyer's Special at ONLY $6.99.

   So those are my "discoveries" for this Winter.  Mixing a case of three bottles of each of these four great Rhone reds would put a smile on the face of any lover of quality red wines.  And at just over $100 it offers a LOT of GREAT drinking that will go far towards breaking the Winter ice and boredom that accompanies it.  A good antidote is to cook a good meal, join with some friends and pull some corks!

    Be safe and ENJOY!!
            Dale
p.s.  You can access the Bouachon website by clicking
     http://www.Henry-Bouachon.com