13.5% imported by European Wine Imports, Cleveland, OH.
Chateau Roubine (Valerie Rousselle) Lourges Provence
Aside from the storied wines of Bandol, red wines from Provence often take a back seat to the direct press rosé wines that make Côtes de Provence such a beacon of elegance. Equipped with standout varieties such as Grenache Noir and Syrah, the land of lavender and cobblestone streets make some very fine vin rouge indeed. Nestled high in the hills of Lourges, Chateau Roubine is an estate with 90 hectares of vines and legends of the Knights Templar residing in these castles and vineyards around the 14th Century. Today, the property has the distinction of being one of 23 properties decreed as a Cru Classé in the 1955 ranking (Provence like Bordeaux ranks properties not vineyards as Cru). Valerie and his family make a majority of rosé today from their vineyards, but around 20% is resaved for red wine. The Rouge tradition is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache Noir and Syrah with aging in cellar for around a year without the use of oak barrels.
Tasting note: Deep ruby color, with a clean nose of currant, baked strawberry, red licorice, and herbs de Provence. Acid medium-plus, full body, medium tannins, and a medium plus finish with flavors of black Japanese plum, graphite, herbs de Provence and some tertiary notes of horsesweat, stewed plum, wild game, rhubarb and cola. The tannins are a bit dusty and there is a pleasant hint of Brett that gives this wine that pleasant south of France bonus layer. Drink now, this is on peak, but can keep another 5+ years. Good, 8.7/10
