2013Serol2013 Domaine Serol, Cote Roannaise, Les Vieilles Vignes, Loire Valley Red, France.
Located west of Beaujolais, Cote Roannaise is in the southern most part of the Loire Valley region and close to the city of Roan, only 50k away from Lyon, this area makes roses and pure Gamay reds, like this one. Gamay is the only permitted grape here, and sine it is so close to Beaujolais, it might be regarded as the lost Cru of Beaujolais, as the wines here while small in number do have high quality and vigor, but this area is claimed by the Loire region and coveted by the select few that discover it’s charms. The unique location allows for very old vines and lots of bright acidity, with loads of mineral intensity. The soils are an ancient mix and the base is granite, pinkish and with sand, these soils add to the structure, generous nature and complexity found in these wines, the vineyards which are at close to 400 meters in elevation, higher than Cru Beaujolais, so later picking and higher acids, get good exposure and cool nights, all adding up to serious and delicious wines. Domaine Robert Serol is one of the top grower and vignerons in the Cote Roannaise and the 2013 is a Gamay that is bursting with energy and fine mineral tones with bright fruit and super length, one of my favorite Gamay wines of the year, showing black cherry, plum, cranberry, strawberry and tangy dark currant along with minty/anise herbs, pepper spice, cedar/walnut and baking spices. Fresh and vivid with a crisp/stony note with hints of truffle. wet rock/steel and lingering blue fruits. This is really fun stuff, especially for the price, be sure to keep your eyes out for Domaine Serol and the wines of Cote Roannaise, drink over the next 3 to 5 years.
($22 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive

 

avail at www.sfwtc.com ($19.95)

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