Kevin 2 Kevin's Picks
Wine Recommendations from Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
Greetings!

We have recently been tasting some remarkable French wines that I will be telling you about in the days and weeks ahead.
 
But  this can't wait... today I want to tell you about a particularly special one.  It's big, bold and ultimately satisfying!

2007 Vintage In Southern Rhone Rivals 1998 and 1990

Bob Foley
From The Wine Advocate:
(After espousing the glories of Ch�teauneuf du Pape
in the southern Rhone, Robert Parker writes) -
 
"2007 is also a terrific vintage in Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and for many of the Cotes du Rhone estates. Given the global economic crises, these wines...represent fabulous bargains for shrewd consumers looking for delicious wines to drink today or, in the best cases, age for a decade or more." -Robert Parker, Jr.
Vintage Rating - 98
 

From Wine Spectator:
 "Ripe, rich, powerful reds thanks to (a) long Indian summer during harvest time. Grenache is heady and rich, so (are) Mourvedre and Cinsault key for balance. Best wines are classic hedonist delights, some over the top but superb."
Vintage Rating - 94-97
 
First and foremost, if you're looking for "elegant" or "nuanced" wines, this is not for you. The wines of the southern Rhone in 2007 are "fleshy, dense and intensely ripe" (Wine Spectator).  Whether or not these wines are age worthy is subject of debate, and only time will tell. But in
the short term, they offer some of the most hedonistic, gratifying wines you will find.

Here is a wine that is immensely satisfying from the first glass to the last.  What an awesome bargain as well.
 
If you have enjoyed wines like The Prisoner, Marietta Angeli Cuvee and Atrea Old Soul Red, this Ch�teau de Montmirail 2007 Cuv�e des deux Fr�res will blow you away!
Ch�teau de Montmirail
Cuv�e des duex Fr�res Vacqueyras
$299.40/case  $24.95 btl
MontmirailThe wine from the highly regarded 2007 vintage starts showing beautifully right out of the gate with its classic southern Rhone aromas of blue fruit, plum, leather, pepper, exotic spices, and just enough wild game in the nose.
 
The jammy, sexy dark berry fruit is reminiscent of triple berry pie that coats the palate with great satisfaction. Elements of kirsch, licorice, game and saddle leather are beautifully integrated.  Natural acids perfectly balance the ripe fruit with fresh, almost crisp fruit flavors and lead to a long, lingering finish.
 
This wine may very well become your new favorite barbecue wine or "Monday-Thursday" wine.  Pick up this wine by the case and keep some around for the holidays, if you can keep your hands off of it for that long!
 
Note:  Robert Parker rated both the 2006 vintage in southern Rhone and this particular wine 90 points. If you wait for the ratings on this 2007, it may be too late!

Have a great one and thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,
Kevin 2Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
The Wine Shop
www.kevinvogt.com
702-400-5604 - Cell
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kevinvogt@me.com