Saturday, September 3, 2011

WINE OF THE WEEKEND: 2010 Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge, "Pourpre", Maxime François Laurent.

Maxime is the son of legendary vintner, Philippe Laurent, who - alongside his wife, Michèle, founded Domaine Gramenon in 1990. In short order, Gramenon became one of the superstars in the Southern Rhone, and the wines remain to this day in very high demand. Sadly, Philippe passed in 1999, leaving Michèle and Maxime to carry on. And carry on they have...the wines have never been better.

While crafted in the Gramenon cellars, "Pourpre" is bottled under the Maxime Laurent label. It is sourced from 50 to 80 year-old Grenache vines, and is an absolute joy to drink. Think generous amounts of blue and purple fruits, with a hint of smoke and Provencal herbs. Weighty, almost unctuous, yet not at all ponderous. The main concern here is gulping this wine too quickly. Better have a few extra on-hand at your next barbecue...it will go fast.

Item #73764

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