Grapelive Daily Pick: Value Selection

By Kerry Winslow

***

delas07v.gif2007 Delas Cotes-du-Ventoux, Rhone Red, France.
Year after year this little Cotes-du-Rhone from the Mount Ventoux area of the Luberon is always a great go to value wine, and one I tend to use for everyday use. Then comes a vintage like 2007, where a good table wine suddenly tastes bigger and more grand, making this Cotes-du-Ventoux stand out and even reminds one of a fine Chateauneuf-du-Pape or Gigondas! Delas puts out clean, pure and classy wines from all over the Rhone, both North and South, with this little wine being one that gets lost in their portfolio, but one searching out for style and flavor far above its modest price. This vintage of the Cotes-du-Ventoux is Grenache dominated with a touch of Syrah and it shows true Rhone character with bold grapey fruit, spice and earthy layers. With a beautiful purple/red color, this pretty Cotes-du-Ventoux hints at the pleasure to come. The nose is fresh and floral with violets and wildflowers, before vibrant red and black fruits come through, the palate is rich and lively with blackberry, grenadine, currant, plum and cherry liqueur filling the mouth with a background of subtle pepper, rocky earth, lavender, fennel and crème de cassis. This red is full and lush, but still has balance and zestiness, it is not over done or raisiny at all, making for a remarkable red that is a more than a steal at the price, in fact, I would buy it at twice the price and be very happy!
($12 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive

www.ranchocellars.com

***

By admin