Tank aged Grenache, Carignane, Syrah, and Alicante from across the road from Chateauneuf du Pape for $15.00 and from 2014 and 2015. Darn right I would buy this wine by the case. And more importantly, these wines show they can age. The wines come from Chateauneuf du Pape producers Jean Royer, and his wines are no pushovers. If anything they are made "old school" CdP in style and show class, elegance and grace. And as VdF (Vin de France) wines, well they're bargains that drink well beyond their price point.
Tasted side by side last night revealed an almost opposite effect from the two harvests, but at the same time gave me confidence that the two will age gracefully for at least 5-7 more years and have a life of a good ten ahead with proper storage.
The 2014 was the fruit forward wine, while the 2015 showed much more Grenache spice. It was obvious to me that the 2015 seemed to be far more Grenache rich, while the 2014 showed how much more dominant Syrah with its bright blueberry fruit had moved to the front and how the Alicante impacts the blend. The wines are full of pepper and spice, herbs de Provence, rich blueberry, blackberry, strawberry and raspberry flavors. They are all that I love about the Rhone in a glass.
To me the two wines were equally impressive, but the nod last night went to the 14 for drinking now, while the 15 has a bit more concentration to go a bit longer. The bottom line though is for $15.00 these two blow away many other wines at twice the price.
These are wines that are worth seeking out..I can only wait with baited breath to taste the 16…