Grapelive International Grenache Day Review
By Kerry Winslow
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2007 Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas “Les Racines” Rhone Red, France.
Kermit Lynch and Brunier family own and run Les Pallieres and it is one of the finest estates in the Southern Rhone, making world class reds from Gigondas from old Grenache vines, plus some other interesting grapes that find their way into the wines. But, it is all about Grenache and the richly lush fruit and peppery spice flavors. 2007 was one of the greatest vintages on record for the south and nearly perfect for Grenache, which showed massive fruit and high alcohol levels, but still retained vibrant flavors and freshness through firm acidity. The nose is like wildflowers, sweet crushed red berries with a hint of earth and game, but it is more about sweet ripeness in this amazing vintage. The palate is full and flowing with strawberry jam, cracked pepper, boysenberry, grenadine and chalky minerals. This is a mega wine that will age well and be better still in a few years, but I loved it right away and doubt I could keep my hands off it for long. ($36-42 Est.) 94-95 Points, grapelive
Available at San Francisco Wine Trading Company. SFWTC.com $34.95 each
www.sfwtc.com
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